For Many Victims of Domestic Violence, an Emergency Order of Protection is the First Step in Getting Help

 Posted on June 05, 2018 in Domestic Abuse

If you are one of the millions of men and women who are victims of domestic violence, you may be lost, scared, and unsure of how to handle the situation. Firstly, you should know that you are not alone. Data shows that about one out of every three women and one out of every four men are abused by an intimate partner at some point in their lives. Domestic abuse can include physical, psychological, and sexual violence as well as threats and intimidating behavior. In the majority of domestic violence cases, the first thing a victim can do to protect themselves is to request an emergency order of protection.

Who Qualifies for an Emergency Order of Protection?

If you or your child have been abused by a family member or significant other, you qualify for an emergency order of protection (EOP)—sometimes referred to in casual conversation as a restraining order. Individuals who are concerned for the safety of a disabled adult may also file a petition for an order of protection on the disabled person’s behalf. You do not have to be physically injured by the alleged abuser in order to qualify for an EOP.

Domestic violence can take many forms, but the common theme in any abusive relationship is the abuser’s need for power and control over the victim. An abuser may verbally berate or harass the victim, deny them access to money, disallow them from contacting friends and family, or threaten to hurt the victim or his or her children.

Visit Your County Court to File for an EOP

You can visit the circuit court in either the county you live in, the county your abuser lives in, or the county in which the abuse is taking place to obtain an emergency order of protection. You will be asked to describe your reasons for seeking an EOP, but you will not have to prove these allegations, but you will need to show that your fear of continued abuse is reasonable. If approved, the circuit court judge will grant your emergency order of protection immediately.

How Can An Emergency Order of Protection Protect Me?

An EOP is a legal document which bans the alleged abuser from continued abuse. The order may contain provisions which prohibit the alleged abuser from being within a certain distance of the victim or from their home, school, or workplace. If the abuser violates the terms of the EOP, he or she can be immediately arrested.

Domestic Violence Protection

If you or your children are in direct danger, do not hesitate to get to a safe place first. If you are ready to obtain an emergency order of protection, reach out to our team of practiced and empathetic Rolling Meadows domestic violence attorneys. Call 847-253-3100 today to schedule a free, confidential consultation.

Sources:

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?ActID=2100&ChapterID=59&SeqStart=500000&SeqEnd=4200000

http://www.thehotline.org/is-this-abuse/abuse-defined/