How Can Order of Protection Help Domestic Abuse Victims

 Posted on September 30, 2012 in Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is a serious crime that can have long-lasting consequences. Every effort should be taken to end the violence as soon as possible. One of the ways to protect the victim from further abuse is to obtain an order of protection.

An order of protection is a legal injunction which orders the abuser to stop harming and stalking the victim in any way. Furthermore, the abuser is not allowed to come near the victim, and they may no longer reside in the same place.  If the abuser refuses to comply with the order, they must face penalties and sanctions which can be, for example, prison time or fines.

Anyone who has been abused by a family or household member can petition for an order of protection. Likewise, any person can apply for the order on behalf of an abused minor or a disabled adult as long as the abuser is a family or household member. The Illinois Domestic Violence Act also protects anyone who is residing or working at a private home or public shelter that takes care of an abuse victim. An order of protection can be issued even without there being any obvious physical injuries on the victim.

The protected party’s address or other similar information can be omitted from all legal documents, if it is necessary. In some cases, the court might grant the custody of a child to the other parent in order to protect them from abuse.

Domestic violence can happen to anyone. If you or a loved one has been assaulted or otherwise mistreated by a family member, you should get legal help immediately. Doug Warlick is a highly experienced family law attorney in Kane County, Illinois who knows what to do in these situations. He will ensure that your case is handled properly from beginning to end. Contact a skilled and knowledgeable domestic violence lawyer in Geneva today.