CARBONDALE, IL — Domestic violence and sexual assault victims and advocates call it a win. A new law signed by Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker will protect victims of sexual assault when reporting the crime to police.

Under previous law, if a victim reported a sexual assault to the police and the victim had any outstanding warrants, including for non-violent offenses, they would be arrested.

Could you imagine being arrested after reporting that you were sexually assaulted? Rachel Brenningmeyer with the Carbondale Women’s Center said that can happen once the police show up to the hospital to take the victim’s statement.

“Whenever survivors get to the hospital, the hospital is required to call both us the Women’s Center and the police. When the police get there, they don’t have to interview them, but they do have to run their background. If something comes up around their background check, they have to arrest them,” said Brenningmeyer.

They could be arrested for any minor legal issues or unpaid fees. Rachel Brenningmeyer from the Women’s Center said that makes an already terrible situation worse and can make victims afraid to report the assault.

“Reporting for sexual assault is already incredibly low. If they feel like they’re going to be arrested on the spot once they get there, they’re definitely not going to report it,” said Brenningmeyer.

One of the sponsors of the bill, Illinois Sen. Jason Barickman, said the law will require police officers to request a waiver of the execution of the warrant, as long as it isn’t for a violent offense or parole violation.

“Rather than executing that warrant immediately, the police officer under the law has the right to contact the state’s attorney. The state’s attorney can work with a judge to make an immediate decision whether or not that warrant needs to be executed,” said Barickman.

Brenningmeyer hopes that will give more people the courage to report sexual assault.

“It’s important for survivors to feel empowered and emboldened to come forth with their story,” said Brenningmeyer.

The law will go into effect June 1, 2020.  For more information about the Carbondale Women’s Center visit thewomensctr.org.