Legislation signed three years ago giving rape victims restitution could be named after a Pontiac woman.
Several years after the ordeal Michelle Eppel is still fighting for others suffering from the trauma.
Nearly 30 years after being raped in Pontiac Michelle Eppel helped get an Illinois law approved benefiting rape victims.
While she was not able to get restitution, under the 2006 law other rape victims can get money from offenders to help with medical expenses.
"It wasn't until I was in a hospital and I got out I had so much medical care costs that I was angry and I thought no one else should walk this path. So I set out on my streets and raised 536 petitions and took them to Senator Dan Rutherford do get the law," Eppel said.
Now the state is considering naming the law after Eppel.
State Senator Dan Rutherford introduced an amendment with the name recommendation to a Senate committee Thursday.
"By putting a name to the actual public act in Illinois it does bring the personality, put a face to it. I believe it does help those who've been victims come forward and say this is horrible but it isn't the end of my life," Rutherford said.
Eppel has written a book of poems about her ordeal called The Cape.
"I started out journaling after my rape, it was scribble then it turned into short stories. It was put in Psychology and Self help to help victims", she said.
Eppel has spoken to representatives in other states in hopes of getting a similar law approved like the one in Illinois that could bear her name.
Now the amendment goes to the full senate for approval. After that the full House must okay it before the governor can sign it into law.
Twitter
Facebook