SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Illinois senators unanimously passed a bill Thursday to help close gaps in protection for survivors of domestic violence and stalking.

Sponsors 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 This comes as many survivors are harassed and threatened under the current system where emergency orders are no longer in effect after a judge grants a plenary order.

"We want to make sure that those survivors have the security that is intended and was granted to them by the court," said Jennifer Welch from the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence. "Delays in service can leave the victim unprotected and make it more difficult for law enforcement and the legal system to respond to abuse, harm and harassment."

Sen. Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) 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. 

Senate Bill 3044 now heads to the House for further consideration. 

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