A NEW STATE LAW WILL MAKE IT EASIER FOR SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE TO FILE AN ORDER OF PROTECTION. 

THE LAW PROVIDES SURVIVORS OF SEXUAL OR DOMESTIC ABUSE THE OPTION OF FILING ONLINE. IT WAS SUPPORTED BY AMANDA PYRON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE NETWORK: ADVOCATING AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. SHE SAYS SOME COUNTIES HAVE ALREADY ADOPTED THIS PRACTICE IN RESPONSE TO THE PANDEMIC.

THE LAW ALSO REQUIRES LARGER COUNTIES IN ILLINOIS TO OFFER SURVIVORS TO ATTEND HEARINGS REMOTELY. SENATOR STEVE STADELMAN OF ROCKFORD SAYS THIS WILL HELP PROTECT SURVIVORS.

STADELMAN SAYS HE HOPES TO SEE SMALLER COUNTIES TAKE ADVANTAGE OF REMOTE HEARINGS AS WELL, BUT KNOWS THAT ACCESS TO BROADBAND IS AN ISSUE IN SOME AREAS.