IL HR0214

Declares April 20, 2023 as "Survivors Speak Illinois Day" in Illinois.

Commends survivors and advocates of Survivors Speak Illinois, organized by Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice and the Alliance for Safety and Justice, for their work to stop violence and assist those impacted by crime.

Recognizes that only 9 percent of violence victims receive direct assistance from victim service agencies, with underreporting of crimes further reducing access to support.

Acknowledges that crime survivors are uniquely qualified to inform public safety and criminal justice policy discussions, and that their voices are too often ignored in policy decisions.

States that Illinois must invest in trauma recovery centers, victim assistance programs, and comprehensive strategies addressing root causes of violence that prioritize prevention, rehabilitation, and trauma recovery.