New tracking system will support, protect and empower sexual assault survivors throughout evidence collection and processing
MARYVILLE - As a former prosecutor with experience working with survivors of sexual assault, State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) is gratified to announce the Illinois State Police Division of Forensic Services has launched a new electronic system to allow survivors to track their sexual assault kits.
“From my past professional experience as a prosecutor, I can attest to the importance of survivors having access to their case’s progress,” Crowe said. “Sexual assault cases are time-sensitive, complicated and emotional, and this new system will support survivors through the grueling process.”
Crowe sponsored Public Act 101-0377, formerly known as Senate Bill 1411, to require ISP to establish a secure, effective sexual assault evidence tracking system. The measure was signed into law in August of 2019.
Drawing on recommendations made by the 2018 Sexual Assault Evidence Tracking and Reporting Commission, the system will allow survivors of sexual assault to monitor the status of their evidence throughout the entire collection and analysis process.
To ensure privacy, the system will use unique case numbers and passwords to limit access to survivors and law enforcement.
“With this new system, sexual assault survivors will have the ability to check the status of their evidence as it transitions from collection at the hospital, through the forensic lab and ultimately to the final results from their local state’s attorney’s office,” Crowe said. “This program will allow secure conversations for survivors to speak with law enforcement throughout the complex process, and it’s one more way we can empower survivors.”
The system can be found on the Illinois State Police website at https://paets.isp.illinois.gov/.
CHAMPAIGN – Drawing on his experience as an attorney and prosecutor, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is pleased to see that the Illinois State Police Division of Forensic Services (ISP DFS) has unveiled an online sexual assault tracking system to give sexual assault survivors the ability to track evidence in new cases.
“Creating a uniform system to track sexual assault evidence will ensure survivors are treated with respect and offenders are held accountable,” Bennett said. “This new system will empower survivors to access information that’s critically helpful for them to move forward from their assault.”
BUNKER HILL – Following a meeting with local officials and Vistra’s announcement that the Kincaid Power Plant would be shuttered within a decade, State Senator Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill) issued the following statement:
“For decades, the Kincaid plant has been a source of good paying union jobs, paving a path to economic security for countless families in the area. While the effects of the closure won’t be felt immediately, my colleagues and I are working diligently on a plan that will mitigate damage done to working families and the local economies of the places these plants call home.
“Under a proposal I’m sponsoring, property tax assessments on coal, gas, and nuclear plants would be frozen at pre-closure rates for five years, so that schools, local governments, and individual taxpayers in towns like Coffeen and Kincaid aren’t stuck with the bill for looming revenue shortfalls befalling their communities.
“While maintaining a stable revenue base is a short-term fix, it’s necessary to maintaining the economic viability of our communities. Ultimately, the state’s commitment to reinvesting resources in Downstate communities rocked by plant closures has been woefully inadequate for far too long. This commitment needs to be taken seriously, and that means substantially increasing this reinvestment. It’s on all of us to continue supporting the good paying union jobs that will be lost as a result of these closures. By transitioning the already existing plants into sustainable centers for clean energy production and storage, we can do just that, securing the economic stability of Downstate Illinois going forward.”
EAST ST. LOUIS – With flu season approaching, State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) and Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) urge older Illinoisans to get their flu shot as an added layer of protection during the COVID-19 outbreak.
“It’s important for all Illinois residents to get their flu shot, but especially our older adults,” Belt said. “Older adults are at greater risk of contracting the COVID-19 virus and influenza, so getting the flu shot is critical to protecting their health this winter season.”
According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, older adults and people with chronic health issues are more likely to develop serious complications resulting from the flu. While flu seasons are variable in their severity, people 65 years and older tend to be the most vulnerable. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 70-85% of seasonal flu-related deaths have occurred in adults 65 years and older.
“Health experts insist getting a flu shot is an easy but vitally important way to avoid getting sick,” Crowe said. “With many concerns surrounding hospitals and our aging population due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I encourage residents to take recommendations from their healthcare professionals to keep themselves healthy.”
Most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover one flu shot per flu season. It is always advisable to consult a health care provider before seeking medical treatment. Find a flu vaccine provider near you with Vaccine Finder.
CHICAGO – The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus will be in Chicago this week to release their Economic Access, Opportunity and Equity pillar as part of their agenda to rid systemic racism for veto session. They will share details on Thursday, October 1st at 1:00 p.m. at Teamwork Englewood, 815 W. 63rd Street, Suite 2, Chicago IL 60621. House and Senate members will be in attendance to offer recommendations that will increase economic development and mobility for black people across the state.
Economic access, equity and opportunity is the third of four pillars the Black Caucus is using as the foundation for their agenda to address systemic racism. They include:
A virtual joint hearing of the Illinois Senate Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Executive, Financial Institutions, and Local Government Committees on affordable housing and land use policies will follow the press conference at 3 p.m. on Thursday. The Black Caucus is set to have a series of hearings for each pillar. Five hearings have already been held on criminal justice reform and education.
What: Press conference, followed by virtual joint Senate committee hearing
Who: Illinois Legislative Black Caucus
When: Thursday, October 1, 1:00 p.m.
Where: The press conference will be held at Teamwork Englewood, 815 W. 63rd St. in Chicago in Suite 2. It can also be viewed on www.blueroomstream.com, a subscription-based service.
CHICAGO – To help remedy Chicago's dire blood shortage caused by COVID-19, State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) and Rev. Byron Brazier of Apostolic Church of God are partnering to hold a community blood drive Friday. African-American blood donors are especially needed to help patients battling sickle cell disease. Blood banks have seen donations by African-Americans drop by more than 50% since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
Those who are interested in being part of this community solution are asked to add their name here and make an appointment to donate blood at vitalant.org using the group code F932. Even one donation could save the life of a community member.
What: Blood Drive
Who: State Senator Mattie Hunter, Rev. Byron Brazier, and other community officials
When: Friday, Oct. 2 from noon-5 p.m.
Where: Apostolic Church of God, 6320 S. Dorchester, Chicago, IL 60637
CHICAGO — Members of the Illinois House and Senate came together to discuss sentencing reform and violence reduction in a joint Senate hearing on Tuesday.
“We must confront the vast disparities in how individuals throughout the state are sentenced,” State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago), chair of the Senate Criminal Law Committee, who co-chaired the joint committee alongside State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago), who heads the Senate Public Safety Special Committee. “We have to ensure that our justice system treats everyone fairly regardless of their race, religion and economic status. That often is not the case. These issues are important to achieve a more fair and equitable system.”
Read more: State lawmakers discuss paths to sentencing reform and violence reduction
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