Sexual Assault Legislation, Prosecution, and Victim Advocacy

After being the victim of a sexual assault in 2021, Northwestern University undergraduate student Kaylyn Ahn set out on a journey to close a legal loophole in Illinois, regarding alcohol and substance consumption, that prevented prosecutors from pursuing a case against her aggressor.

Ahn drafted a bill to close the loophole and update the definition of consent in the state’s sexual assault law. Introduced into the Illinois General Assembly by Rep. Mark Walker (D-Arlington Heights), the bill passed in 2022.

Since then, police departments across the state have been re-training officers in handling sexual assault cases, and thousands of previously unaddressed sexual assault cases are now eligible for prosecution. 

Ahn has continued to be a vocal advocate for reforming sexual assault legislation, speaking at universities, fundraisers, and political events across the country.

In this episode, hosted once again by Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly, we also hear from several other experts representing law enforcement, forensics, and victim advocacy centers- all discussing the complicated nuance of sexual assault prosecution, and how to better seek justice and peace for victims while retaining accountability and due process.

Intro and Outro narrated by Bill Kurtis.

Original Theme music by David Huizenga.