Securing Orders of Protection: Statutory Guidelines, Court Procedures, and Remedies for Abuse Cases

This session establishes the foundational understanding of domestic violence, exploring its various forms including physical, psychological, financial, and emotional abuse. Participants will examine key statistics, the profile of abusers, and the power and control dynamics that underpin intimate partner violence.

This session covers the statutory definition of abuse under the Illinois Domestic Violence Act, including physical abuse, harassment, interference with personal liberty, and willful deprivation. Attendees will learn about protected persons, family or household member definitions, and the three types of orders of protection: emergency, interim, and plenary.

A brief intermission allowing participants to rest and prepare for the final session. Use this time to review notes and formulate questions for the remedies discussion.

This comprehensive session details the full range of remedies available under orders of protection, including stay-away orders, exclusive possession of residence, counseling requirements, and child custody provisions. Participants will also learn about criminal enforcement mechanisms, violation penalties, and strategies for helping clients move forward safely after obtaining protection.