Domestic Violence Bills Signed Today

Rev. Steve M. Epting, Sr., Brigid Leahy, Gov. Pat Quinn, Alderman Deborah Graham, Carole Brite

Today Planned Parenthood of Illinois joined Governor Pat Quinn at the signing of four bills which are aimed at protecting women, men, and teens from domestic violence.

The signing of HB 958, HB 3236, HB 3300, and HB 3379 is a huge step forward in the health and safety of Illinoisans. In particular, HB 3300 helps to ensure that those in a domestic violence situation can seek essential medical care confidentially and HB 3379 helps to ensure that young people in Illinois learn about healthy relationships to prevent incidences of domestic violence.

Carole Brite, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Illinois, (pictured on far right) released the following statement regarding the bill signing:

“Planned Parenthood of Illinois applauds Governor Pat Quinn for signing into law four bills which help protect women, men, and teens from domestic violence.

As a leading women’s health care provider and advocate, Planned Parenthood of Illinois understands firsthand the devastating impact that intimate partner violence can have on a woman’s health. Planned Parenthood of Illinois staff proactively screen and refer for intimate partner violence in a confidential clinical setting, and work in the community on sex education that includes important conversations about healthy relationships. If women have experienced both reproductive coercion and partner violence, their likelihood of experiencing an unintended pregnancy is doubled.

We must put an end to violence against women and do everything we can to be sure that women are safe and healthy in their homes and schools by improving our state’s response to domestic violence and dating violence.”

Domestic violence effects millions of women, men, and teens each year. A few statistics:

• One in four women (25%) has experienced domestic violence in her lifetime.

• Between 600,000 and 6 million women are victims of domestic violence each year, and between 100,000 and 6 million men, depending on the type of survey used to obtain the data.

• Nearly three out of four (74%) of Americans personally know someone who is or has been a victim of domestic violence

• The health-related costs of intimate partner violence exceed $5.8 billion each year. Of that amount, nearly $4.1 billion are for direct medical and mental health care services, and nearly $1.8 billion are for the indirect costs of lost productivity or wages.

Today, we're thankful for the steps forward Illinois has taken to protect Illinoisans from domestic violence.

If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, here is a helpful resource map which can help you find out where to get help. Planned Parenthood of Illinois is also here to provide women, men, and teens with access to confidential care and referrals for additional help.
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This post was created by Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL). PPIL provides comprehensive reproductive healthcare services and education to more than 60,000 Illinoisans each year. Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA) is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of PPIL.

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