SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The Illinois House Judiciary Criminal Committee unanimously approved a bill Tuesday night to help close gaps in protection for survivors of domestic violence and stalking.

Sponsors said Illinois should ensure emergency orders of protection remain in effect until the final order of protection has been served. This comes as many survivors are harassed and threatened under the current system, where emergency orders are no longer in effect after a judge grants a plenary order.

"We want to make sure that those survivors have the security that is intended and was granted to them by the court," said Jennifer Welch from the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence. "Delays in service can leave the victim unprotected and make it more difficult for law enforcement and the legal system to respond to abuse, harm and harassment."

The Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence said this issue is critical, as the organization served more than 50,000 women, children and families last year. Advocates stress that service delays can leave survivors unprotected and make it more difficult for the legal system to respond to abuse and harassment.

Senate Bill 3044 now heads to the House floor for further consideration. 

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