Illinois House committee approves ‘Anna’s Law’ to boost police training in handling sexual assault cases

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WTVO) — An Illinois House Committee has passed a bill that would require more training for police handling sexual assault cases.

The bill, called Anna’s Law, would amend the Illinois Police Training Act to require the additional training while an officer is in their probationary period, to learn how to handle cases in which the officer knows either the victim or the abuser.

The bill was inspired by the case of Anna Williams, who said she was ridiculed when she came forward to report sexual assault.

“The detective working my case lied on my statements, and it was brushed off when I mentioned it to the chief. I was frequently asked if I was sure that it was not consensual,” Williams said. “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.”

The bill aims to minimize the traumatization of the victim by providing training programs for officers.

Senate Bill 1195 passed the Senate earlier this month and heads to the House floor for consideration.