SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A proposal moving in Springfield could help close gaps in protection for survivors of domestic violence and stalking.

Sen. Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) said Illinois should ensure emergency orders of protection remain in effect until the final order of protection has been served. This comes as many survivors are harassed and threatened under the current system where emergency orders are no longer in effect after a judge grants a plenary order.

"This bill would mean protection for victims of abuse remains fully enforceable and protects survivors from dangerous loopholes and paperwork timing," Stadelman said. "The intent is clear — Domestic violence victims deserve protection all the way through the process."

Stadelman was inspired to file this plan after a constituent told his office about the troubling loophole. Elizabeth Malone was granted a no-contact stalking order after a year of being harassed and threatened, but she said the system she trusted failed to protect her.

"When my harassment continued, law enforcement was not able to intervene as there was no order on file, because by then my emergency order had expired and the respondent had not yet been served the final order," Malone explained.

The Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence said this issue is critical, as the organization served more than 50,000 women, children and families last year. Advocates said service delays can leave survivors unprotected and make it more difficult for the legal system to respond to abuse and harassment.

"It’s an important piece of paper because it gives law enforcement the tools to respond to an abuser who is escalating in violence," said ICADV Chief Policy Officer Jennifer Welch.

The bill passed unanimously out of the Senate Criminal Law Committee last week. The full Senate could vote on Senate Bill 3044 this week. 

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