In a move praised by legal and victims’ advocates alike, Illinois is poised to bolster its support for victims of violent crimes. The Illinois General Assembly has passed a bill expanding the scope of the state's Crime Victims Compensation Program. The legislation, known as Senate Bill (SB) 3713, intends to make compensation more accessible to survivors and their families who have borne the brunt of violent crime, according to the Office of the Illinois Attorney General.
While the bill has yet to receive the governor's signature, its unanimous passage in the House reflects a commitment to aiding those navigating the aftermath of violence. Attorney General Raoul championed the measure, noting, “Survivors of violent crime often face enormous financial and emotional barriers to recovery, in addition to the physical trauma they have experienced,” as stated by the Illinois Attorney General's office website. He expressed gratitude to the Assembly and vowed ongoing advocacy for those affected by violent crime.
The bill also garnered support from Ascend Justice, a group focused on survivors of gender-based violence. Sara Block, managing director of the organization, explained, “SB 3713 is an important step in making crime victim compensation more accessible and equitable in Illinois, especially for survivors of community violence and gender-based violence.” Victims, thrust into a world of financial hardship by their unfortunate circumstances, are poised to receive relief, lauded by advocates and lawmakers alike for their perseverance and resilience, as per the Illinois Attorney General's office.
State Rep. Maurice A. West, II, the bill's sponsor in the Illinois House, emphasized the importance of delivering justice and financial restitution to crime victims. West expressed gratitude to those who crafted the proposals and articulated a commitment to ensuring that the legislative changes achieve their purpose. With the Attorney General's Violence Prevention and Crime Victim Services Division already offering resources, SB 3713 represents further steps towards a more supportive system for individuals harmed by criminal acts across the state.
