Stadelman proposes safer ways for abuse survivors to file protective orders

When survivors of abuse or domestic violence need an order of protection, they often hesitate because the process stirs up agonizing trauma or fears of their abuser confronting them. To give survivors a safer, more comfortable way to file for a protective order, State Senator Steve Stadelman is leading a push to allow people to request such documentation through virtual means.

“Survivors of abuse and domestic violence often face much grief and trauma regardless of how much time has passed,” Stadelman said. “Having to face someone and talk about what they’ve gone through can be extremely difficult, bringing that trauma to the forefront of their mind. By allowing people to file for orders of protection at home, survivors will feel safer and more comfortable.”

Legislation proposed by Stadelman would give people the option to file a protective order by email or online, in addition to in-person. The measure also would require any court in a county with a population of more than 250,000 to offer a remote hearing to the petitioner. Both the petitioner and the respondent would be allowed to appear for related hearings remotely or in-person.

Stadelman supports new public safety, mental health resources

State Senator Steve Stadelman joined several of his colleagues along with the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association and Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council to unveil a package of proposals to provide law enforcement officers with greater resources to serve and protect communities.

“Offering more backup for public safety and law enforcement will benefit our communities,” Stadelman said. “There are key areas where we can reform our response to addressing crime that will ultimately help and greatly increase the effectiveness, attentiveness and well-being of our law enforcement.”

The package aims to solve several problems facing law enforcement by assisting police forces with new grant opportunities, providing them additional tools to investigate crimes and helping them utilize resources to address inmate mental health concerns. In an effort to prioritize equal pay in the criminal justice system, an additional measure would require counties to pay sheriffs at least 80 percent of the state’s attorney’s salary.