Protection from Domestic Violence

Domestic abuse is one of the most devastating, frightening, and stressful situations for both adults and children to experience. If you or someone you love is the victim of domestic violence, it is important to come forward and speak to the lawyers at Caesar & Bender, LLP to ensure that you are fully protected. Our lawyers will help you understand exactly what must be done to take care of yourself and safely remove yourself (and your children) from an unhealthy environment.

How Does Illinois Define 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.

What Are My Options?

If you or someone you love is a survivor of domestic abuse, we can help you file for an order of protection. This order is aimed at preventing individuals who have hurt you from coming near you or your loved ones.

It is not uncommon for victims of domestic violence and abuse to feel that they are to blame or are somehow responsible for the actions of those who have harmed them. There simply is no right or wrong way to act when you are subject to abuse. It is the abuser who needs to be removed from the situation. He or she is the wrong doer. Experienced advocates such as Molly Caesar and Michael Ian Bender can help you navigate the intricacies of this process.

Caesar & Bender, LLP, Can Help You

Molly Caesar and Michael Ian Bender are truly invested in helping men, women and children who have experienced the horrors of domestic violence and abuse. Individuals who cause physical, emotional and/or sexual harm to their significant other or their children must be stopped.

Caesar & Bender, LLP can help. Contact us today for a free confidential consultation to learn about your options. Call our Chicago office at 312-815-6141 or send us an online message.