Illinois Senators Secure More Than $1 Million for Sexual Assault Prevention

CHICAGO, IL – U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) announced more than a million dollars in federal funding Thursday to help prevent rape and sexual assault in Illinois. The Illinois Department of Public Health will use today’s funding to support rape prevention and education programs, as well as to increase support for counseling services, 24-hour crisis hotlines and criminal justice assistance.

“This federal funding will help prevent rape and sexual assault in Illinois and improve support for victims of sexual violence throughout our state," said Senator Duckworth.

The Feb. 9 announcement of $1,141,194 in funding comes through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Rape Prevention and Education Program, which aims to strengthen sexual violence prevention systems in every state.

"Preventing sexual violence is a daunting challenge and I am pleased Illinois will be receiving critical CDC support to strengthen prevention and education initiatives,” Duckworth added.

“Funding education and building awareness in our schools and communities will help prevent sexual assault in Illinois,” said Senator Durbin. “We must do everything within our power to protect women and men from sexual violence and these federal investments will help do just that.”