If you need protection from your spouse or partner…
“Domestic violence is a serious crime against the individual and society which produces family disharmony in thousands of Illinois families, promotes a pattern of escalating violence which frequently culminates in intra-family homicide, and creates and emotional atmosphere that is not conducive to healthy childhood development.”
– Illinois Domestic Violence Act of 1986
The Law takes domestic violence seriously and bold actions are needed to provide protection and security to people in need.
If you are a victim of abuse or neglect…
You should request an Order of Protection from the Court.
What does an Order of Protection do?
When a Judge enters an Order of Protection, the abusing family member is prohibited from harassing, neglecting, abusing, or exploiting you. The abuser may be prohibited from entering or remaining in the same house or residence as the victim even if the abuser owns or leases the home.
Abuse can mean many things including: “physical abuse, harassment, intimidation of a dependent, interference with personal liberty or willful deprivation”.
The abuser may be your wife, husband, step-father, step-mother, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, nephew, niece, aunt uncle, or any person in your household. More details are available at
Cook County Domestic Violence Resources.
Where will I be safe?
The Court may order your abuser to stay away from your school, your job, or other specified places at times when you may be present. An Emergency Order of Protection can be granted under special circumstances.
What about our children?
The Court may order temporary legal custody to one parent if a Judge finds that abuse of a minor child has taken place. The Court may also restrict or deny Parenting Time to the abuser of a child to keep the child away from danger.
Can we both be ordered to stay away from each other?
Mutual orders of protection are prohibited. However, proved past abuse by both parties may lead to “correlative separate orders of protection”. For specific information about your particular domestic violence concern, please give us a call at (312) 558-9100.
Here are some resources: