The Illinois House approved a plan meant to help victims of violent crime across the state.
Many people who commit crime started out as victims. And in some neighborhoods, this can lead to a cycle of trauma and retribution. The plan would address the role of trauma in criminal behavior, targeting high-risk, underserved communities. People would be on the ground, building relationships to help victims better deal with their grief and anger.
It's sponsored by Democratic state Representative Jehan Gordon-Booth, of Peoria. Her stepson was shot and killed nearly three years ago.
"For far too many communities, for far too many families, for far too many neighborhoods, to lose loved ones in a violent way is normal" she says. "That does something to the psychology, particularly of the young people."
The measure is part of a broader, bipartisan push to improve Illinois' criminal justice system.
Sponsors will try to get the bill through the Senate today.
