CHICAGO (WICS/CNN) - An activist accused Sen. Ira Silverstein, D-Chicago, of sexual harassment Tuesday at a House committee hearing discussing a bill aimed at ending sexual harassment at the Capitol.
"I authored Jasmine's Law, which is named after my daughter Jasmine, who was raped at the age of 11, Rotheimer said.
Since her daughter's rape, Denise Rotheimer has worked to pass laws protecting victims.
"I've done this work for 14 years out of pocket at my expense because of my experience my daughter, and I went through in the criminal legal system where we were further victimized," Rotheimer said.
In 2016, Rotheimer was pursuing another bill that would require the state to provide attorneys to crime victims.
"That's where Senator Silverstein came in as the sponsor of the bill," Rotheimer said.
Rep. Chapa LaVia called Denise Rotheimer, who accussed Senator Ira Silverstein of sexual harassment, up again to repeat her allegations. Then the Rep. appologized for the silence in the room following her testimony as many women experience said silence after they seek help. pic.twitter.com/mxDiGtvAhw
— BlueRoomStream (@BlueRoomStream) October 31, 2017
That's when she said the harassment started.
"He would Facebook me at midnight, call me at midnight, I mean you have no idea the torment," Rotheimer said.
She said Silverstein used the power of his office to continue the harassment.
"In April, Silverstein killed my bill," Rotheimer said. "He thought I had a boyfriend, and then once I explained to him I don't have a boyfriend, my bill came back alive."
Silverstein said Tuesday he apologizes if he ever made Rotheimer feel uncomfortable and is going to wait to see what the ethics committee has to say.
Tuesday’s committee hearing came after a letter circulated the state last week, alleging Illinois politicians have a long history of sexually assaulting and harassing women at the Capitol.
They were discussing a bill that would require all lawmakers, staff and lobbyists to complete annual sexual harassment training.
The bill also empowers state inspectors general and ethics commissions to investigate allegations and assess fines for harassment incidents.
House Speaker Michael Madigan expects the bill to pass both chambers and the governor to sign it.
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