URGENT:
Illinois Budget Falls Short for Sexual Assault Survivors
The Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault is extremely disappointed to learn that the funding crisis facing sexual assault services was not addressed in the introduced State of Illinois budget proposed by Governor Pritzker. Sexual assault services have not received a significant increase in state General Revenue funding in more than 20 years. The continued lack of increased state funds has come to a head this year as satellite offices have been forced to close, survivors have been placed on waiting lists across the state, and federal funding has been drastically cut.
Sexual assault services providers request $20 million in state General Revenue funding. Without an increase to the current funding level, more survivors will be forced to wait longer for services, more offices will close, more hospitals will go unserved and more staff will lose their jobs. Rape crisis workers are highly skilled professionals who provide critical trauma-informed services for survivors and communities. They deserve to be paid a living wage commensurate with the valuable role they fulfill. Sexual assault survivors deserve statewide access to these essential services. It is time for the state of Illinois to contribute its fair share to fully fund these services. To learn who your legislator is or to contact a legislator please visit www.ilga.gov.
Below is information on statutes, legislation, protective orders, medical care and other legal issues pertaining to sexual violence.
Information on changes to Illinois laws in 2023 and legal issues relevant to ICASA.
MoreICASA has submitted an Illinois-specific comment in response to the proposed regulations from the Department of Education under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.
ViewInformation on legal aid resources throughout Illinois.
ViewICASA recently joined an amicus curiae brief in McClellan v. Hull, a case that is before the Appellate Court of Illinois, First Judicial District. The brief is in support of a survivor whose offender was granted an Order of Protection against her for harassment when she shared on social media that he had sexually assaulted her.
ViewInformation on legal aid resources throughout Illinois.
ViewMichelle Madden Dempsey, Law Professor at Villanova University, prepared this letter regarding the practice of invasive gynecological exams survivors are ordered to endure in the course of legal proceedings against their perpetrators.
View ReportFind a crisis center near you.
ICASA member rape crisis centers are located across Illinois and provide services to approximately 98% of the state's population.
Contact with an ICASA center is completely confidential.
Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault (ICASA)
100 North 16th Street, Springfield, IL 62703 USA
Phone: +1 217-753-4117 • Fax: (217) 753-8229
© 2024 Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault. All rights reserved.