Senator MunozCHICAGO – Military sexual violence survivors will be protected and perpetrators will be held accountable thanks to a measure led by Assistant Majority Leader Tony Munoz that was signed into law Thursday.

“As a U.S. Army veteran, I understand the importance of protecting the members of our armed forces,” said Munoz (D-Chicago). “This new law will help fight sexual and domestic violence within the military to protect airmen, marines and soldiers across Illinois.”

Senate Bill 257 extends the authority of military protection orders beyond military locations, ensuring survivors receive full protection no matter where they are and that perpetrators can be held accountable. Survivors will be provided with additional employment protections as they recover.

Military protection orders are issued by military tribunals to protect survivors of military sexual or domestic violence from the alleged perpetrator of that violence by restricting the perpetrator’s contact with the survivor. The new law will allow military legal authorities to file military protection orders with Illinois courts and give those orders the same authority as a civilian protection order issued by a circuit court within Illinois. Additionally, giving local and state police the authority to enforce the military protection order within Illinois.

“Protecting military sexual violence survivors is vital for their safety and recovery,” Munoz said. “I’m proud of the work and dedication from Representative Kifowit and other stakeholders that allowed us to work together to protect the people serving in the military.”

The new law takes effect immediately.

summer book club

COVID19 Updates

Newsletter Sign-up
  1. First Name(*)
    Invalid Input
  2. Last Name(*)
    Invalid Input
  3. Your Email(*)
    Please let us know your email address.

Contact Info

Springfield Office:
323A State Capitol Bldg.
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-9415

Chicago Office:
1836 W. 35th St. 1st Fl.
Chicago, IL 60609
(773) 869-9050