The Illinois Domestic Violence Act seeks to prevent repeated physical abuse and harassment among family, household members and disabled adults. The term “family members” includes persons related by blood, persons who are or were married, persons who share the home, apartment or other dwelling, dating couples, and persons with disabilities
An Order of Protection is a court order that prohibits an abuser from physical abuse, harassment, interfering with personal liberty, using physical force against or the confinement of another, or willfully denying a disabled or elderly person medication, medical services, shelter, or other needs. A person could also violate of the Domestic Violence Act by committing acts of “neglect,” such as failing to take necessary steps to protect high-risk adults with disabilities or withholding necessities of life for that individual. Often domestic violence actions are emergency matters that require immediate attention and a good understanding of the court system to achieve needed protection, so please speak to counsel if this is applicable to your case.
In addition to the Domestic Violence Act, Illinois has adopted a Stalking No Contact Order Act, which has many provisions that parallel the Domestic Violence Act.