News …                   

Sept. 8, 2017                                                                                             

ROCKFORD, Ill. – A state commission will review and suggest procedures on sexual assault evidence tracking and reporting under a measure sponsored by state Rep. Litesa Wallace, D-Rockford, that was signed into law recently.

 

“Sexual assault cases are often underreported, and our state currently lacks a uniform system across our law enforcement,” Wallace said. “This commission is an important first step in installing a statewide process that responsibly gathers evidence and ensures that survivors are treated with the respect they deserve.”

 

Wallace was a sponsor of the bipartisan House Bill 528, which creates the Sexual Assault Evidence Tracking and Reporting Commission to research and develop a statewide plan to track and review sexual assault evidence information. The commission will be made up of appointees from sexual assault organizations, law enforcement, state’s attorneys and other relevant individuals. The group will be tasked with submitting a report within a year that provides suggestions on a uniform, statewide reporting system that responsibly tracks cases and takes into account the well-being of survivors.

 

“Every community in this state has had to grapple with the effects of sexual assault,” Wallace said. “It is my hope that the results of this commission will allow us to put more criminals behind bars and bring justice to the survivors who deserve it.”

 

For more information, please contact Wallace’s constituent service office at 815-987-7433 or at litesa@staterepwallace.com.

 

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