Violence is present in far too many relationships. Many people who are victims of domestic violence feel that they are alone, and that this kind of situation doesn’t happen to other people. After seeking assistance, they are often surprised how common the situation is, and how many people are victims of domestic violence.
Domestic violence does not mean only physical violence, nor does it require bruises or broken bones. The Illinois Domestic Violence Act provides protection to people who are victims of abuse or harassment. Harassment is defined in the Act as any unnecessary conduct which would cause a reasonable person emotional distress.
The law uses specific examples on what would be considered harassment. They include repeated threats of removing the children, following the person around, or repeated phone calls at work. Threats of physical violence can also be harassment.
If you have been a victim of domestic violence, you can obtain assistance through an Order of Protection. The order can restrain the abuser from any further abuse or harassment, obtain temporary custody of the children, provide for temporary Parenting Responsibilities schedules, provide temporary child support, and order the abuser to leave the household.