The law requires the Illinois Law Enforcement Training & Standards Board to teach police officers how to identify conflicts of interest and options to address those conflicts when officers know a sexual assault victim or the abuser.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A new state law will require trauma-informed response training for law enforcement handling sexual assault cases.

The law requires the Illinois Law Enforcement Training & Standards Board to teach police officers how to identify conflicts of interest and options to address those conflicts when officers know a sexual assault victim or the abuser.

Sponsors said law enforcement must use the utmost care when survivors come forward to report their abuse.

"The detective working my case lied on my statements, and it was brushed off when I mentioned it to the chief," said sexual assault survivor Anna Williams. "I was frequently asked if I was sure that it was not consensual. If we pass the bill, it will help survivors heal from the assault, and then it gives them a fighting chance. It will validate their experiences."

Williams told lawmakers that over 60% of sexual assaults go unreported due to the fear of re-traumatization and victim blaming. 

The legislation gained unanimous support in both chambers this spring.

"As a teacher, it is extremely important to me to come from a position of helping people learn and grow. The intent of this law is to focus attention on how law enforcement handles survivors of sexual assault," said Sen. Mary Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). "While we have come a long way, there is still much work to be done to address this issue. And when we know better, we do better."

Anna's law will take effect on Jan. 1. 

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