Dora Larson, Senator Mike Jacobs, Agent James Simmons, Senator Bill Brady
An organization created to fight for homicide survivors is enlisting the support of Senator Bill Brady.
The newly-formed Support for Homicide Survivors (SHS) group will work to raise public and legislative support for homicide survivors, including support at parole and clemency hearings, and legislative changes for victims and their rights, according to SHS Executive Director Dora Larson (at left in photo).
At a news conference February 8 in the Capitol, Senator Brady said he supports new legislation to place a victim’s advocate on the state’s Prisoner Review Board.
“It’s a first step that needs to be taken, particularly over the last couple years as we have seen people released from prison and put back into society without the knowledge of the victims or the survivors,” Senator Brady said. “I applaud the efforts of this organization for doing that.”
SHS also recognized James Simmons with the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police (at podium in photo) for his work on behalf of crime victims.
“This is a very humbling experience for me; however, this is not about me. Let me give you some numbers that I was going over in my head, and actually verified before I came here today,” Simmons said. “For the past five years, Illinois has averaged over 750 homicides. For the past five years, Illinois has averaged over 4,000 rapes. For the past five years, Illinois has averaged over 64,000 violent offenses.”
Also attending the press conference was Senator Mike Jacobs of East Moline (second from left in photo).
ILStatehouseNews
Dora Larson, executive director and co-founder of Support for Homicide Survivors, speaks about her organization’s position on the death penalty.
Agent James Simmons, 2nd VP. of State and President, of F.O.P. IDOC Lodge #263, for the Victims of the State of Illinois receives SHS award and speaks on the death penalty.
