Protection from Domestic Violence

Under the Illinois Domestic Violence Act, domestic violence is defined as physical abuse, harassment, intimidation of a dependent, interference with personal liberty, or willful deprivation.

Those protected under the Illinois Domestic Violence Act include:

• Spouses and ex-spouses;
• Children and stepchildren;
• Parents;
• Domestic partners;
• People who share or formally shared a common dwelling;
• Other relationships defined by either marriage or blood;
• Any person abused by a family or household member;
• Any high-risk adult with disabilities who is abused, neglected, or exploited by a family or household member;
• Any minor child or dependent adult in the care of such person;
• Any person residing or employed at a private home or public shelter which is housing an abused family or household member; and
• Any of the following, if the person is abused by a family or household member of a child:
  • A foster parent of that child, if the child was placed there by DCFS or by another state’s public child welfare agency;
  • A legally appointed guardian or custodian of that child;
  • An adoptive parent of that child; or
  • A prospective adoptive parent of that child, if the child has been placed in the prospective adopted parent’s home pursuant to the Adoption Act or pursuant to another state’s law.

Illinois defines family or household members as:

• Family members related by blood;
• People are married or used to be married;
• People who share or used to share a home, apartment, or other common dwelling;
• People who have or allegedly have a child in common or a blood relationship through a child in common;
• People who are dating or engaged or used to date, including same-sex couples; and
• People with disabilities and their personal assistants.

If your situation qualifies for any of the above situations, or even if you are unsure, please do not hesitate to contact local law enforcement and , to ensure the protection of yourself and your loved ones.

If your situation qualifies for any of the above circumstances, or if you are unsure if it falls under any of the specified categories, please do not hesitate to contact local law enforcement, as well as Caesar & Bender, LLP, to ensure the protection of yourself and your loved ones.