SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Gov. JB Pritzker could soon sign a bill to help sexual assault survivors when they first interact with police.

The plan requires law enforcement to tell survivors they can request to be interviewed by an officer of their sex or gender. It also states police should inform survivors they can have a support person with them during the interview.

"The duty to inform does not apply to preliminary investigations at the crime scene, in the emergency department, at an approved pediatric healthcare facility or under exigent circumstances," said Sen. Mary Edly-Allen (D-Grayslake).

The Illinois Sheriffs' Association played a key role in helping negotiate this change with the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault.

House Bill 4394 received unanimous support in both chambers. 

"This is designed to be a trauma-informed approach that will better serve victims," said Rep. Daniel Didech (D-Buffalo Grove). "Also, we believe it will increase the quality of these investigations and make it more likely for the perpetrators to be held accountable." 

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