Domestic violence in Illinois is a difficult issue to talk about and an even tougher one to eliminate. There are many victims of domestic violence and it can have very detrimental effects on both the victim and their family. Unfortunately, many victims of domestic violence are not just abused one time. Often there are multiple incidents and the abuse can continue for years. Therefore, it is important to help ensure that the abuser is not able to have contact with the victim.
To help achieve this goal, the victim of crimes such as domestic assault may be able to obtain an order of protection. These orders were created especially for the victims of domestic violence in order to help keep them from harm. To achieve that goal, the order can prohibit the abuser from contacting the victim.
Specifically, the order of protection can prohibit an abuser from continuing threats and things such as physical abuse, harassment, intimidation, and other forms of abuse. The order can also prohibit the abuser from entering a shared residence and the victim’s work, school and other locations. In addition to prohibiting an abuser from contacting the victim in any way, the order of protection can also order an abuser to attend counseling for their issues.
The orders can also grant the victim temporary custody of children and prohibit the abuser from taking a child from the victim. A visitation schedule for the children and the abuser may be set up as well if it is in the best interest of the children to maintain a relationship with the abuser. The order can also order an abuser to pay temporary child support to the victim.
Often known as a restraining order, an order of protection in Illinois can achieve the immediate goal of keeping the abuser away from the victim. It can also help provide for the victim and ensure that the children are not exposed to the violence as well. Attorneys understand how to obtain an order of protection and may be able to help ensure that a victim receives the protection they need.
Source: Illinois Attorney General, “Illinois Domestic Violence Act: Information for victims” accessed on Oct. 27, 2014