{"id":373085,"date":"2016-03-31T21:35:11","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:35:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/illinois-law\/illinois-domestic-violence-laws.html"},"modified":"2025-06-10T15:16:48","modified_gmt":"2025-06-10T20:16:48","slug":"illinois-domestic-violence-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/illinois-law\/illinois-domestic-violence-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Illinois Domestic Violence Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\">\n        <h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Illinois Domestic Violence Laws<\/h1>\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/kit-yona-m-a\/\">Kit Yona, M.A.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/john-mascolo-esq\/\">John Mascolo, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            June 10, 2025\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n<p>When an abusive act occurs between family members, household members, or people in a dating relationship, a special classification may apply. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/domestic-violence.html\">Domestic violence crimes<\/a> carry enhanced penalties and special protections under Illinois law. They&#8217;re employed to give victims a chance to escape their abusers once and for all.<\/p>\r\n<p>Knowing which crimes are associated with domestic violence can make it easier to identify and prevent such conduct. This article explains how Illinois defines domestic abuse, what sort of <a href=\"https:\/\/illinoisattorneygeneral.gov\/safer-communities\/supporting-victims-of-crime\/domestic-violence-prevention-resources\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">programs and protections are available<\/a>, and the best way to navigate the legal system as you seek relief. Read on to gain a thorough understanding of domestic violence in Illinois.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Illinois Domestic Violence Laws: Explaining Domestic Violence<\/h2>\r\n<p>Most <a href=\"https:\/\/illinoisattorneygeneral.gov\/Page-Attachments\/DomesticViolenceBrochure.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">domestic violence abuse<\/a> occurs at home. What&#8217;s supposed to be a haven is instead a house of horrors for the victim, who <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/domestic-violence\/types-of-domestic-violence.html\">suffers torment from their abuser<\/a>. For an offense to have domestic violence classification, it must meet a pair of requirements. Let&#8217;s learn what they are.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Domestic Violence in Illinois: Participants<\/h3>\r\n<p>While each state has a unique definition of domestic violence, there&#8217;s agreement that it can never happen between strangers. Domestic abuse crimes occur between <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/il\/chapter-725-criminal-procedure\/il-st-sect-725-5-112a-3\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">family or household members<\/a>. The following relationships qualify as family or household members:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Spouses and former spouses<\/li>\r\n<li>Parents and children<\/li>\r\n<li>Persons related by present or prior marriage (stepparents\/stepchildren or in-laws)<\/li>\r\n<li>Persons related by consanguinity (blood relatives)<\/li>\r\n<li>Persons who share or have shared a common dwelling<\/li>\r\n<li>Persons with a child in common<\/li>\r\n<li>Persons who share or allegedly share a blood relationship through a child<\/li>\r\n<li>Persons with disabilities and their personal assistants and caregivers<\/li>\r\n<li>Persons who have or have had a dating or engagement relationship<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>A casual association doesn&#8217;t qualify as a dating relationship. People who have shared intimacy are in a dating relationship. Co-workers who occasionally go to karaoke together are not. The court rules on whether or not a relationship qualifies.<\/p>\r\n<p>If you&#8217;re suffering abuse but don&#8217;t fit into one of the relationships listed, you still have options. Illinois offers the ability to seek a protection order in court for <a href=\"https:\/\/illinoisattorneygeneral.gov\/Safer-Communities\/Violence-Prevention-and-Community-Safety\/Orders-of-Protection\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">victims of sexual assault and stalking<\/a> with no need to establish a domestic relationship.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Domestic Violence in Illinois: Criminal Acts<\/h3>\r\n<p>Knowing who&#8217;s involved is only half of the domestic violence requirement. Domestic violence crimes focus on conduct meant to give the abuser <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehotline.org\/identify-abuse\/power-and-control\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">power and control<\/a> over the victim.<\/p>\r\n<p>While <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/domestic-violence\/battered-women-s-syndrome.html\">physical abuse<\/a> is often involved, abusers make use of other types as well. These include emotional abuse, financial abuse, isolation, coercion, and intimidation. Maintaining control is part of a vicious cycle that keeps the victim feeling trapped and helpless.<\/p>\r\n<p>The types of conduct that may qualify as a domestic violence crime or the basis for a protection order span a wide spectrum of abusive acts. They include:<\/p>\r\n<p><b>Harassment<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p>Harassment is causing emotional distress through:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Threats<\/li>\r\n<li>Stalking<\/li>\r\n<li>Causing public embarrassment<\/li>\r\n<li>Child custody violations (hiding a child, threatening to hide a child, etc.)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><b>Interference With Personal Liberty<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p>Interference with personal liberty involves either forcing the victim to do things they don&#8217;t want to or keeping them from doing things they want to do by:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Deprivation, such as denying funds<\/li>\r\n<li>Threatening deprivation<\/li>\r\n<li>Harassment<\/li>\r\n<li>Threatening harassment<\/li>\r\n<li>Intimidation<\/li>\r\n<li>Threatening intimidation<\/li>\r\n<li>Physical abuse<\/li>\r\n<li>Threatening physical abuse<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><b>Intimidation of a Dependent<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p>Intimidation of a dependent, often a child, includes:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Forcing a dependent to participate in the physical abuse of a family of another<\/li>\r\n<li>Forcing a dependent to participate in the physical confinement of another<\/li>\r\n<li>Forcing a dependent to witness the physical abuse of another<\/li>\r\n<li>Forcing a dependent to witness the physical confinement of another<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>The dependent needs to be a family or household member. The person subjected to the physical abuse or confinement doesn&#8217;t.<\/p>\r\n<p><b>Physical Abuse<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p>Physical abuse covers a broad range of categories that include abusive acts:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Causing a threat of physical harm through reckless behavior<\/li>\r\n<li>Confinement<\/li>\r\n<li>Restraint<\/li>\r\n<li>Sleep deprivation<\/li>\r\n<li>Sexual abuse<\/li>\r\n<li>Use of physical force<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Crimes with a domestic abuse classification may enhance the potential penalties available at sentencing. They may also provide special protections for the victims. Conduct that doesn&#8217;t qualify as domestic violence may still be a prosecutable offense.<\/p>\r\n<p>Domestic abuse crimes range from assault and battery to kidnapping, sexual assault, and murder. More often than not, domestic abuse in Illinois will include charges under these specific criminal statutes:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Domestic Battery<\/li>\r\n<li>Aggravated Domestic Battery<\/li>\r\n<li>Assault<\/li>\r\n<li>Aggravated Assault<\/li>\r\n<li>Stalking<\/li>\r\n<li>Aggravated Stalking<\/li>\r\n<li>Cyberstalking<\/li>\r\n<li>Violation of Protection Order<\/li>\r\n<li>Interfering with a Report of Domestic Violence<\/li>\r\n<li>Disclosing the Location of a Domestic Violence Victim<\/li>\r\n<li>Violation of a Civil No Contact Order<\/li>\r\n<li>Violation of a Stalking No Contact Order<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>A first offense of <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/il\/chapter-720-criminal-offenses\/il-st-sect-720-5-12-3-2.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">domestic battery<\/a> is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 364 days in jail and\/or a fine of up to $2,500. A second offense will be a Class 4 felony, punishable by up to three years in prison and\/or a fine of up to $25,000. Additional domestic violence convictions can lead to a higher degree of felony and increased prison time.<\/p>\r\n<p>Aggravated domestic battery occurs when the domestic abuser causes great bodily harm, disfigurement, or a permanent disability to the victim, or strangles the victim. This offense is a Class 2 felony, punishable by up to seven years in prison and\/or a fine of $25,000.<\/p>\r\n<p>Unfortunately, some domestic offenders specifically target a victim during pregnancy. In some states, the fact that a domestic victim is pregnant at the time of a crime will lead to sentence enhancement. In Illinois, the state provides a separate offense for <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/il\/chapter-720-criminal-offenses\/il-st-sect-720-5-12-3-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">battery or aggravated battery of an unborn child<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<p>Police and prosecutors authorize the filing of criminal charges based on a finding of probable cause that the offender committed the domestic abuse crime. The victim is a key witness in the case, but does not control whether the case goes forward or its outcome.<\/p>\r\n<p>Prosecutors seek to hold violent offenders accountable. They seek the victim&#8217;s input as the person most affected by the crime. At trial, the prosecutor must prove the offender guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to get a conviction.<\/p>\r\n<p>Sometimes in domestic violence cases, the victim or survivor does not want to participate in the case after an arrest. There may be many reasons why a victim will have second thoughts. Some relate to the power and control balance in the relationship. At times, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/domestic-violence\/the-recanting-victim-and-domestic-violence.html\">victims recant<\/a> or try to take back their original statements to police.<\/p>\r\n<p>This does not mean that the prosecutor will drop domestic violence charges. There is a danger in permitting violent offenders to escape punishment. Instead, the prosecutor will weigh all the evidence and determine whether they can prove the crime with or without the victim&#8217;s cooperation.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Illinois Domestic Violence Laws: Help Available for Victims<\/h2>\r\n<p>When domestic violence occurs in Illinois, victims gain access to specific protections designed to help them break free from the cycle of abuse. While there&#8217;s no foolproof method to prevent recurring domestic abuse, <a href=\"https:\/\/illinoisattorneygeneral.gov\/Page-Attachments\/DomesticViolenceTearSheet.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">these programs and court orders<\/a> can help give the victim a chance at a better life.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Illinois Domestic Violence Order of Protection<\/h3>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/il\/chapter-750-families\/il-st-sect-750-60-214\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Illinois domestic violence orders of protection<\/a> combine provisions intended to keep the abuser away from the victim with stiff penalties for those who disobey.<\/p>\r\n<p>Unlike criminal cases, actions for protection orders are civil in nature. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/filing-a-lawsuit\/civil-cases-vs-criminal-cases-key-differences.html\">Civil cases<\/a> carry a lesser burden of proof and unique remedies that may not be found in a criminal case.<\/p>\r\n<p>While orders of protection contain conditions that fit each specific case, some common provisions include:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Forbidding the abuser from further abusing, neglecting, or exploiting the victim<\/li>\r\n<li>Forbidding the abuser from committing any of the qualifying domestic violence offenses<\/li>\r\n<li>Granting temporary possession of a shared residence to the victim and forbidding the abuser from returning<\/li>\r\n<li>The abuser must obey a &quot;stay-away&quot; order for the victim and all locations listed by the court<\/li>\r\n<li>The abuser must attend mandatory counseling as dictated by the court<\/li>\r\n<li>The abuser must obey all no-contact orders<\/li>\r\n<li>Granting temporary child custody to the victim, including decision-making for the best interests of the child<\/li>\r\n<li>Restricting or denying the abuser&#8217;s parent time with a minor child<\/li>\r\n<li>Awarding shared personal property to the victim<\/li>\r\n<li>Granting temporary custody of all shared animals to the victim<\/li>\r\n<li>Ordering the abuser to pay temporary child support or spousal support<\/li>\r\n<li>Ordering the abuser to surrender all firearms and ammunition for the duration of the order of protection<\/li>\r\n<li>Ordering the abuser to pay injunctive relief<\/li>\r\n<li>Granting the victim the right to shared telephone numbers<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>The court can add any other condition it deems necessary for the victim&#8217;s safety. Not all conditions are permitted for the different types of orders for protection. Orders may contain some, all, or even none of the provisions listed above.<\/p>\r\n<p>When a victim (petitioner) has suffered abuse or fears further abuse from their abuser (respondent), they can file for an Illinois domestic violence order of protection. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.illinoiscourts.gov\/forms\/approved-forms\/forms-approved-forms-circuit-court\/order-of-protection\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">forms are available online<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.illinoiscourts.gov\/courts-directory\/interactive-map\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">at the nearest courthouse<\/a>. You&#8217;ll apply for an <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/il\/chapter-750-families\/il-st-sect-750-60-217\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">emergency order of protection<\/a>, detailing the instances of abuse. The clerk will take the petition to a judge, who may ask you questions.<\/p>\r\n<p>If the court agrees that the threat of further abuse exists, the emergency order is issued. It&#8217;s an <i>ex parte<\/i> order, which means the respondent is not present at the initial hearing. The <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/il\/chapter-750-families\/il-st-sect-750-60-222\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">order is served to the respondent<\/a> by law enforcement, usually the sheriff&#8217; department. It lasts until the full case hearing, which is scheduled around 14 to 21 days later.<\/p>\r\n<p>If there&#8217;s difficulty serving the respondent or the hearing is scheduled after the expiration of the emergency order of protection, an <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/il\/chapter-750-families\/il-st-sect-750-60-218\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">interim order of protection<\/a> is available. This order lasts for another 30 days and keeps all provisions from the emergency order.<\/p>\r\n<p>If the respondent chooses to oppose the order of protection, there will be a case hearing at court where both the petitioner (victim) and the respondent can appear. The court will hear arguments from both sides, review evidence, and listen to witness testimony. If the court decides that the threat of abuse remains, a <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/il\/chapter-750-families\/il-st-sect-750-60-219\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">plenary order of protection is issued<\/a>. Provisions from the previous orders are subject to amendment and new conditions are added as necessary.<\/p>\r\n<p>Plenary orders of protection <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/il\/chapter-750-families\/il-st-sect-750-60-220\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">can last up to two years<\/a>. Unlimited extensions are available with proof of threat. Orders issued in Illinois are good anywhere in the United States <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/domestic-violence\/federal-domestic-violence-legislation-the-violence-against-women.html\">under federal law<\/a>. If you have more questions about orders of protection in Illinois, FindLaw&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/illinois-law\/illinois-protective-orders-laws.html\">Illinois Protective Orders Laws<\/a> article has you covered.<\/p>\r\n<p>Violations of restraining orders carry significant penalties. If your abuser violates an order of protection, call the police and get a police report. In addition to a <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/il\/chapter-750-families\/il-st-sect-750-60-223\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contempt of court charge<\/a> that adds 24 to 48 hours in jail, violators of orders of protection face the following punishments:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><b>First violation<\/b> (class A misdemeanor): Up to 364 days in jail and\/or a fine of up to $2,500<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Subsequent violations<\/b> OR <b>a first violation by someone with a previous domestic battery conviction or other aggravated offense<\/b> (Class 4 felony): Up to three years in prison and\/or a fine of up to $25,000<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Hope Cards<\/h3>\r\n<p>Carrying an order of protection with you everywhere isn&#8217;t convenient. Illinois plans to make this unnecessary with the <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/il\/chapter-750-families\/il-st-sect-750-60-219-5\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Hope Card<\/a>. Victims of domestic violence who have a plenary order of protection in effect will have a card listing details about their order for easy reference by law enforcement. Launched in 2024, Hope Cards are available at most Illinois <a href=\"https:\/\/www.illinoiscourts.gov\/courts-directory\/\" title=\"county courthouses\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">county courthouses<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Address Confidentiality Program<\/h3>\r\n<p>Escaping an abuser is no easy task. Staying hidden is just as challenging, but Illinois&#8217; <a href=\"https:\/\/illinoisattorneygeneral.gov\/safer-communities\/supporting-victims-of-crime\/address-confidentiality-program\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Address Confidentiality Program (ACP)<\/a> can help. The ACP supplied victims with a secondary address that&#8217;s used for all public forms. First-class mail is forwarded to the victim&#8217;s home. There is no charge for the ACP.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Rental Provisions<\/h3>\r\n<p>Victims leaving an abuser don&#8217;t want to have to worry about penalties for their name being on a rental lease. <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/il\/chapter-765-property\/il-st-sect-765-750-15\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Under Illinois law<\/a>, they don&#8217;t have to. Victims with an order of protection can make a legal break of their lease by giving written notice to their landlord at least three days before moving out.<\/p>\r\n<p>If the victim wishes to remain on the property, they can request that <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/il\/chapter-765-property\/il-st-sect-765-750-20\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">the landlord change the locks<\/a>. They&#8217;re required to show proof of the threat of domestic violence if requested. The landlord has 48 hours to change the locks and may charge a reasonable fee for the task. If not done in that time, the victim has the right to do it themselves.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Assistance by Law Enforcement Officers<\/h3>\r\n<p>When the police respond to a domestic violence situation, <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/il\/chapter-750-families\/il-st-sect-750-60-304\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">they have certain obligations<\/a>. In addition to stopping any abusive acts, police should give them a reference for domestic violence programs, alert them to a nearby shelter, and take them to a safe location if requested. They can also arrange transportation if they need medical attention.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Illinois Domestic Violence Laws: Review<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>We&#8217;ve assembled a recap of the information you&#8217;ve learned in the table below, along with links to important Illinois statutes on domestic violence.<\/p>\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><p><b>Relevant Illinois Domestic Violence Laws<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<td><p><b>Illinois Compiled Statutes<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p>Chapter 720 &#8211; Criminal Offenses<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/il\/chapter-720-criminal-offenses\/il-st-sect-720-5-12-0-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">720 ILCS Section 5\/12-0.1<\/a> (<i>definitions<\/i>)<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/il\/chapter-720-criminal-offenses\/il-st-sect-720-5-12-3-2.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">720 ILCS Section 5\/12-3.2<\/a> (<i>domestic battery<\/i>)<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/il\/chapter-720-criminal-offenses\/il-st-sect-720-5-12-3-3.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">720 ILCS Section 5\/12-3.3<\/a> (<i>aggravated domestic battery<\/i>)<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/il\/chapter-720-criminal-offenses\/il-st-sect-720-5-12-3-4.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">720 ILCS Section 5\/12-3.4<\/a> (<i>violation of order of protection<\/i>)<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/il\/chapter-720-criminal-offenses\/il-st-sect-720-5-12-3-5.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">720 ILCS Section 5\/12-3.5<\/a> (<i>interfering with a report of domestic violence<\/i>)<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/il\/chapter-720-criminal-offenses\/il-st-sect-720-5-12-3-6.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">720 ILCS Section 5\/12-3.6<\/a> (<i>disclosing the location of a domestic violence victim<\/i>)<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/il\/chapter-720-criminal-offenses\/il-st-sect-720-5-12-3-8.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">720 ILCS Section 5\/12-3.8<\/a> (<i>violation of a civil no contact order<\/i>)<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/il\/chapter-720-criminal-offenses\/il-st-sect-720-5-12-3-9.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">720 ILCS Section 5\/12-3.9<\/a> (<i>violation of a stalking no contact order<\/i>)<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/il\/chapter-720-criminal-offenses\/il-st-sect-720-5-12-7-3.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">720 ILCS Section 5\/12-7.3<\/a> (<i>stalking<\/i>)<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/il\/chapter-720-criminal-offenses\/il-st-sect-720-5-12-7-4.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">720 ILCS Section 5\/12-7.4<\/a> (<i>aggravated stalking<\/i>)<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/il\/chapter-720-criminal-offenses\/il-st-sect-720-5-12-7-5\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">720 ILCS Section 5\/12-7.5<\/a> (<i>cyberstalking<\/i>)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Chapter 725 &#8211; Criminal Procedure<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/il\/chapter-725-criminal-procedure\/il-st-sect-725-5-112a-3\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">725 ILCS Section 5\/112A-3<\/a> (<i>definitions<\/i>)<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/il\/chapter-725-criminal-procedure\/il-st-sect-725-5-112a-14\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">725 ILCS Section 5\/112A-14<\/a> (<i>domestic violence order of protection; remedies<\/i>)<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/il\/chapter-725-criminal-procedure\/il-st-sect-725-5-112a-14-5.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">725 ILCS Section 5\/112A-14.5<\/a> (<i>civil no contact order; remedies<\/i>)<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/il\/chapter-725-criminal-procedure\/il-st-sect-725-5-112a-14-7.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">725 ILCS Section 5\/112A-14.7<\/a> (<i>stalking no contact order; remedies<\/i>)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Chapter 750 &#8211; Families<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/il\/chapter-750-families\/il-st-sect-750-60-201\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">750 ILCS Section 60\/201<\/a> (<i>persons protected by this act<\/i>)<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/il\/chapter-750-families\/il-st-sect-750-60-214\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">750 ILCS Section 60\/214<\/a> (<i>order of protection; remedies<\/i>)<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/il\/chapter-750-families\/il-st-sect-750-60-217\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">750 ILCS Section 60\/217<\/a> (<i>emergency order of protection<\/i>)<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/il\/chapter-750-families\/il-st-sect-750-60-218\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">750 ILCS Section 60\/218<\/a> (<i>30-day interim order of protection<\/i>)<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/il\/chapter-750-families\/il-st-sect-750-60-219\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">750 ILCS Section 60\/219<\/a> (<i>plenary order of protection<\/i>)<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/il\/chapter-750-families\/il-st-sect-750-60-219-5.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">750 ILCS Section 60\/219.5<\/a> (<i>Hope cards<\/i>)<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/il\/chapter-750-families\/il-st-sect-750-60-223.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">750 ILCS Section 60\/223<\/a> (<i>enforcement of orders of protection<\/i>)<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/il\/chapter-750-families\/il-st-sect-750-60-304\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">750 ILCS Section 60\/304<\/a> (<i>assistance by law enforcement officers<\/i>)<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/il\/chapter-750-families\/il-st-sect-750-61-15\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">750 ILCS Section 61\/15<\/a> (<i>address confidentiality program; application; certification<\/i>)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Chapter 765 &#8211; Property<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/il\/chapter-765-property\/il-st-sect-765-750-15.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">765 ILCS Section 750\/15<\/a> (<i>affirmative defense for breaking of lease<\/i>)<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/il\/chapter-765-property\/il-st-sect-765-750-20\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">765 ILCS Section 750\/20<\/a> (<i>change of locks<\/i>)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><p><b>Family and Household Members Under Illinois Domestic Violence Laws<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<td><p>Domestic violence crimes require a qualifying relationship. These include:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Spouses and former spouses<\/li>\r\n<li>Parents<\/li>\r\n<li>Children<\/li>\r\n<li>Blood relatives (consanguinity)<\/li>\r\n<li>Persons related by present or prior marriage (in-laws and stepfamily)<\/li>\r\n<li>Persons who share or have shared a common dwelling<\/li>\r\n<li>Persons with a child in common<\/li>\r\n<li>Persons who share or allegedly share a blood relationship through a child<\/li>\r\n<li>Persons who have a dating or engagement relationship or had a dating or engagement relationship<\/li>\r\n<li>Persons with disabilities and their personal assistants or caregivers<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><p><b>Types of Criminal Acts Eligible for Domestic Violence Classification in Illinois<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<td><p>The following categories contain abusive crimes considered domestic violence in Illinois.<\/p>\r\n<p><b>Harassment<\/b><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Includes causing emotional distress through threats, stalking, public embarrassment, and child custody violations<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><b>Physical Abuse<\/b><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Includes sleep deprivation, sexual assault, confinement, restraint, use of physical force, and causing the threat of physical harm through reckless behavior<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><b>Willful Deprivation<\/b><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Includes exposing a person to physical, emotional, and mental harm by denying them shelter, medical care, food, medication, therapeutic devices, and physical assistance<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><b>Intimidation of a Dependent<\/b><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Includes forcing a dependent to witness or participate in physical abuse or confinement (the dependent must be a family or household member; the victim of the physical abuse does not)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><b>Interference With Personal Liberty<\/b><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Includes keeping the victim from doing things they want to do or making them do things they don&#8217;t want to through either harassment, physical abuse, deprivation, or intimidation, or the threat of harassment, physical abuse, deprivation, or intimidation<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><p><b>Penalties for Domestic Violence Crimes and Violations of Orders of Protection in Illinois<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<td><p>Any violation of an order of protection can be charged as contempt of court in addition to other charges.<\/p>\r\n<p><b>Violations of Domestic Violence Orders of Protection<\/b><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><b>First violation<\/b> (class A misdemeanor): Up to 364 days in jail and\/or a fine of up to $2,500<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Subsequent violations<\/b> OR <b>a first violation by someone with a previous domestic battery conviction or other aggravated offense<\/b> (Class 4 felony): Up to three years in prison and\/or a fine of up to $25,000<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Crimes designated as domestic violence <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/il\/chapter-720-criminal-offenses\/il-st-sect-720-5-12-3-2\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">can carry enhanced penalties<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n<p><i><b>Note:<\/b> Laws in Illinois are subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts that include federal decisions, ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult <\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/family-law\/illinois\/?fli=dcta\" title=\"an Illinois attorney\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i>an Illinois attorney<\/i><\/a><i> or conduct your own legal research to verify the status of any Illinois law(s) you are reviewing.<\/i><\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Illinois Domestic Violence Laws: Related Resources<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.thehotline.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">National Domestic Violence Hotline<\/a> (800.799.7233)<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ilcadv.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.illinoiscourts.gov\/courts-directory\/interactive-map\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Illinois Court Directory<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/domestic-violence\/domestic-violence-organizations.html\">Domestic Violence Organizations<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/domestic-violence\/stop-domestic-violence.html\">Domestic Violence FAQ<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><b>Do You Have More Questions About Illinois Domestic Violence Laws? Get Legal Help From an Attorney<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>Domestic abuse may involve any number of acts that may or may not be a crime on their own. Often, victims of domestic abuse feel like there&#8217;s no escape. You have options, but processing all of the legal information can be daunting. A <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/family-law\/illinois\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">family law attorney<\/a> who knows Illinois state law can help you seek protection and discuss your options.<\/p>\r\n<p>If you face accusations or criminal charges for domestic violence or violating an order of protection, you should consider seeking legal advice. An <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/criminal-law\/illinois\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Illinois criminal defense attorney<\/a> can examine the claims of the alleged victim, help you prepare a defense, and look for the best outcome in court.<\/p>\r\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" 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was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n     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for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex 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