Domestic violence is a crime that Illinois courts take very seriously. Even if you did not actually commit the act of domestic violence, these charges can be detrimental to your life and your reputation. If you have an order of protection against you, it could make your life extremely difficult. There are many things that an Illinois order of protection can order you to do or prohibit you from doing. It is important to understand what orders of protection mean for you if you are facing Illinois domestic violence charges.

What is Domestic Violence?

According to the Illinois Domestic Violence Act of 1986, domestic violence is when any family or household member commits any act of abuse toward another family or household member. Family or household members include:

• Spouses or former spouses;
• Parents, children and stepchildren;
• Former or current housemates;
• Former or current dating or engaged couples;
• People with a child in common; and
• People with disabilities and their caregivers.

Acts of abuse include:

• Physical abuse, such as hitting, pushing, shoving, biting or others;
• Harassment, such as following you, creating disturbances at your school or work, or preventing you from seeing your child;
• Forcing you to do something you do not want to do; or
• Forcing you to have sex.

Effects of Orders of Protection

If an order of protection is entered against you, there are certain things that the order can require you to do and prohibit you from doing. These things can include:

Victims who endure prolonged, severe and numerous episodes of domestic violence frequently have physical, mental, or emotional damages. In many cases, the psychological trauma lasts longer than the physical symptoms.

Anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and depression are all commonly observed in domestic violence survivors. Another consequence stemming from the trauma is Battered Woman Syndrome, which can either make the injured party endure the abuse without retaliation or defend themselves, so the violence ends indefinitely.

The Stages of Battered Woman Syndrome (BWS)

Battered Woman Syndrome is now regarded as a form of PTSD and is accepted legally as a psychological disorder. Over time, the sufferer becomes so depressed and defeated that he or she begins to believe he or she alone is the cause of the abuse and there is no way to escape it. This learned helplessness can convince a victim to stay an unhealthy relationship. Sometimes, the individual remains because he or she hopes his or her abuser will change. This belief originates from the conditioning from “honeymoon phase” of the abuse cycle, which is:

Cell phones have become a staple in our daily lives. We scroll social media, check bank accounts, and send business emails—even when we are in our homes with our families and sitting on the couch. Moreover, cellular devices are extremely helpful in emergency situations, enabling those in danger to contact someone able to help.

For victims of domestic abuse, cell phones may be their only chance at getting to safety. Illinois enacted a new law this year which will have a direct impact on the cell phone bill of anyone involved in a domestic violence dispute.

The New Law

According to the new law that went into effect as of January 1, 2018, anyone approved with an order of protection from a judge can separate their cell phone account from their accused abusers. During the petition for the court order, an alleged victim can request the service. Once approved, the court clerk will then contact the service provider directly, requesting the transfer of that phone number into the victim’s name, free of charge. The request may include any of the children’s phone lines, as well. The provider then has 72 hours to respond to the request. This law is a massive victory for those victims in real danger. Previously, these individuals needed to go to the cell phone company directly and explain their story to yet another stranger, only to discover that transferring the numbers would be costly.

The average lifespan lengthened tremendously over the last few decades with the assistance of medical advancements. However, with age also comes the general “wearing down” of the body, resulting in illness and disabilities. Only one in four adults over the age of 60 currently live on their own successfully, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

These statistics leave our nation’s aging population in the care of someone else. Many families have no choice but to accept their aging parents into their homes, regardless of relationship or financial status. Unfortunately, parents are reluctant to relinquish their title as “head of the household” to their adult children. Children, in return, struggle to cope with the change in family dynamics, often resulting in rising tensions and occasionally a domestic violence charge.

Defining Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is often associated with violence between two spouses, but it is not always the case. The charge covers a wide variety of close relationships including children and stepchildren, former and current spouses, partners, roommates, those within a dating relationship, caregivers, and blood-related family members. Additionally, the parent-child relationship need not be physically abusive to qualify for such accusations.

Domestic violence is a serious crime that can severely damage relationships with family, friends, significant others, and spouses. If you are convicted of domestic violence, you will face consequences that could destroy your quality of life—you may have a more difficult time obtaining employment, and may not be able to have contact with those whom you love.

Definition of Domestic Violence

Domestic violence occurs when a person knowingly causes bodily harm to any family or household member or makes physical contact of an insulting nature with any family or household member.

When a person is charged with domestic violence, he or she will face a Class A misdemeanor. If the offender has been previously convicted of domestic violence, then he or she will be charged with a Class 4 felony.