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:
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