SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The Illinois Senate unanimously passed a bill Wednesday to help sexual assault survivors when they first interact with police.

This plan requires law enforcement to tell survivors they can request to be interviewed by an officer of their sex or gender. The legislation also states police should inform survivors they can have a support person present 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).

House Bill 4394 previously passed unanimously out of the House. It now heads to Gov. JB Pritzker's desk for final approval. 

"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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