More than 200 crime survivors traveled to the state Capitol for the second annual Survivors Speak Illinois 2022 event. Among the crowd were surviving loved ones, including family and friends, of those who tragically lost their lives to violence. Each year, hundreds of crime survivors from across the country gather together to heal, share their stories and advocate for change.

This year, advocates rallied together to call on officials to shift the narrative on what true public safety means. Organizers and supporters of the event praised the SAFE-T Act and Reimagine Public Safety Act and called for the passage of more initiatives that work to support victims’ needs.

At the conclusion of the event, State Senators Elgie R. Sims, Jr., Robert Peters and Rep. Justin Slaughter were honored and given the Champion for Public Safety & Justice Award.