SPRINGFIELD – A measure sponsored by State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) and State Representative Dave Vella was signed by the governor on Friday making civil no contact orders permanent for sexual assault survivors whose assailants are criminally convicted.

“People who’ve been through a sexual assault will live with that trauma for the rest of their lives,” Stadelman said. “I believe Illinois can help ease their burdens by ensuring they do not have to relive their trauma by returning to court year after year.”

Currently, under Illinois state law, sexual assault survivors are forced to see their assailants in court every two years to renew their no contact orders.

“These no contact orders are based on convictions. Convictions don’t change over time,” Stadelman said. “A survivor should not have to risk their mental and emotional health by going to court every year.”

Stadelman worked on the measure with the City of Rockford’s Office of Domestic Violence Prevention. Additionally, the city worked with Rockford Sexual Assault Counseling, which suggested the lifetime order of protection. Similar protections are already in place in Illinois for stalking victims.

The law, originally House Bill 734, has been signed by the governor and takes effect Jan. 1, 2022.

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