Domestic Violence in Illinois

Domestic violence occurs through abusive behavior or violent confrontation against an intimate partner or any other household member (past or present). Being a victim of domestic violence can have far-reaching, lifetime impacts.

Domestic violence affects individuals regardless of gender, religion, race or nationality, and is typically goes unreported. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, “nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner.” However, domestic violence can also occur through psychological and verbal abuse.

Abuse may start with inappropriate behaviors that are easily dismissed like possessiveness, name calling, or extreme jealousy, which are usually resolved with apologies to prove or show the care or love. Often this becomes a pattern that intensifies over time.

Each state acknowledges domestic violence as a crime. According to the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence, nearly 65,800 incidents were reported to Illinois law enforcement in 2014 and 49 deaths related to domestic violence between 2015 and 2016.

Abuse means

• Physical abuse
• Harassment
• Intimidation of a dependent
• Interference with personal liberty
• Denying a disabled person access to needed care

Available Resources

For anonymous, confidential help available 24/7 call the Illinois Domestic Violence Helpline at 1-877-863-6338, National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

Orders of Protection

An order of protection is a court order that protects a partner or household members, including past and present from abuse or violence.

Orders of protection can be obtained through an attorney, contemporaneous with a divorce proceeding, or through the local county circuit court, and can last up to 2 years. An emergency order of protection may be issued by a judge. This does not allow the abuser the opportunity to contest the matter in court. Any violation of an order of protection is a crime.

Our team of professionals understand how upsetting and traumatizing domestic violence episodes can be. We are ready to advocate for those prosecuting or defending against domestic violence.

*Information in this article was obtained from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, ilga.gov and Illinois State Police