LOMBARD – Victims of sexual assault and stalking will have access to increased privacy protections under a new law, passed by state Rep. Terra Costa Howard, D-Glen Ellyn, that provides a substitute address for survivors to use in all public records.
“Sexual assault and stalking threaten survivors’ privacy and sense of security,” said Costa Howard. “By helping to keep their addresses confidential, this new law gives victims of sexual assault and stalking another tool to reclaim their lives and continue the healing process.”
The Costa Howard-sponsored House Bill 2818 allows victims of sexual assault and stalking to apply for the state’s address confidentiality program. This program, which was previously limited to domestic violence survivors, shields victims’ home addresses by providing a substitute address they can use as their legal home, school, and work addresses, preventing perpetrators from tracking survivors through public records.
“The address confidentiality program is a powerful tool to protect people who have been targeted for stalking and assault,” Costa Howard said. “I’m very proud that this new law will help Illinois survivors feel less vulnerable at home, at work, and at school.”
If you or a loved one are interested in applying for this program, please visit
illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/victims/address_confidentiality.html for more information.