Attorney General Raoul's legislation expanding access to crime victims compensation program signed into law
Aug 12, 2024
Chicago – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced his legislation to increase accessibility to the Illinois Crime Victims Compensation Program was signed into law.
Senate Bill (SB) 3713 is the result of cooperative efforts between the Attorney General’s office, Ascend Justice, and the Alliance for Safety and Justice, a longtime collaborator with the Attorney General’s office.
“Survivors of violent crime often face enormous financial and emotional barriers to recovery, in addition to the physical trauma they have experienced,” Raoul said. “I want to thank Gov. JB Pritzker for signing this legislation, which is an important step to assist victims and their families. I remain committed to ongoing work with advocates to support survivors, and I will continue to push for increased services and resources for those affected by violent crime.”
The Illinois Crime Victims Compensation Program – administered by Raoul’s office – provides reimbursement to eligible victims of violent crime and their families, helping pay expenses that include hospital and medical charges, funeral and burial costs, relocation expenses, and lost wages related to the crime. The new law amends the Crime Victims Compensation Act by making the program more accessible to applicants as well as expanding eligibility for both who can apply and what individuals can be reimbursed for.
“We are encouraged by the steps that the Attorney General’s office has taken over the past few years to make the crime victims compensation program more accessible for survivors in Illinois while we continue to advocate for increased access to the program for underserved crime survivors,” said Aswad Thomas, vice president of the Alliance for Safety and Justice and national director of Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice.
The law expands eligibility criteria and reduces barriers for victims of violent crime and their families.
“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,” said Sara Block, managing director of advocacy and partnerships at Ascend Justice. “Many survivors of gender-based violence endure financial costs associated with their victimization... Crime victim compensation is a critical support that reduces these financial burdens so that survivors can focus on healing from trauma... Ascend Justice extends its gratitude...”
SB 3713 was sponsored in the Illinois Senate by Sen. Robert Peters and in the Illinois House by State Rep. Maurice A. West II.
“Each victim's journey is uniquely shaped by a multitude of factors... Expanding definitions enables us to build a more comprehensive system...” Peters said.
“This legislation will strengthen response resources provided to victims... Signing this bill into law will bring justice expeditiously...” West said.
The law is part of Raoul’s ongoing efforts supporting victims statewide through programs such as those offered by his Violence Prevention Division. For additional information or reporting violations visit [Attorney General website] or call 1-800-228-3368.
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