Helping victims
Crime survivors like me were proud to see Illinois take such an enormous step forward for criminal justice reform. After weeks of debate, our voices were heard. Much of the focus has been on cash bail and other measures that prioritize safety, equity and justice. But there is more at stake.
A critical part of this bill — one that isn’t getting nearly as much attention — is victim compensation. Crime victims have long been underserved by victims’ services, and this bill improves access to the very services that address trauma and the root of crime in our communities, whether that is mental health services, medical care or financial compensation.
This is why so many of us came forward to support this legislation — our public safety ideas, which have been proved to work, were accepted and included. Far too many crime victims in Illinois have been denied access to services, furthering the pain and trauma they have suffered. Thanks to this legislation, crime victims will have more time to apply for compensation, services can cover household members of survivors and the maximum amount of compensation has been raised.
This bill goes a long way toward lessening trauma and ending cycles of violence in the communities left behind by the current system. We cannot let politics get in the way of healing and protecting communities. Gov. J.B. Pritzker should sign it into law.