What is Domestic Abuse?
In Illinois, Domestic Abuse is typically manifested as a pattern of abusive behavior towards a family member or intimate partner where the abuser exerts his/her power or control over the victim. Domestic Abuse can be physical, mental, economic, or sexual in nature.
For example, Domestic Abuse may include:
- Physical Abuse (pushing, hitting, forced sex, not allowing you to leave)
- Harassment (creating a disturbance at your job, repeatedly telephoning, following, stocking, or watching you, preventing you from seeing your child, threatening to hurt you)
- Making a child or other person watch abuse
- Forcing you to do something you don’t want to do
- Denying a disabled person access to needed care
Domestic Abuse Hotline
If you feel you’re in danger or are a victim of Domestic abuse or know someone who is a victim, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline (Below). You may also report any suspected abuse or neglect to any local or state law enforcement agencies. Law enforcement agencies are responsible for criminal investigations. They focus on figuring out who committed a crime. CPS investigations are a civil court matter that focuses on the welfare of the child(ren) and family.
What is the Process of Domestic Abuse?
The process of Domestic Abuse varies based on who’s involved. For example, In Illinois, if kids are witnesses or victims of Domestic Abuse, Department of Children and Family Services or “DCFS” will also be called along with local law enforcement to investigate, report, and act if necessary.
In Domestic Abuse cases, the following can be involved:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline
- Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS)
- Local Law Enforcement
- State Law Enforcement
- Jail
- State’s Attorney
- Legal Counsel
- Judges
The following services and remedies may be provided or required including:
- Physical Restrictions
- Communication Restrictions
- Drug Drops
- Hair follicle Testing
- Drug and Alcohol Evaluations
- Psychological Evaluations
- Anger Management Counseling
- Anger Management Assessments
- Revocation of FOID Cards
- Surrendering of All Weapons
- Assignment of Case to Guardian of Litem
- Counseling
- Therapists
- Child Support
- Parenting Time
- Exclusive possession of Residence
- & More.
How can Watson Law help you with Domestic Abuse?
At Watson Law in Family Law dynamics, Domestic Abuse is NO JOKE. We take all matters very seriously and document all evidence and/or reports provided by our clients, local or state law enforcement, DCFS, and/or the National Domestic Violence hotlines. After Scheduling an Appointment with us, be prepared and bring in all evidence or reports you have, and we’ll determine how we’ll get started protecting your right, safety, and well-being for you and your family. All our clients have our attorney’s personal cell phones in case issues arise fast or advice needs to be given.
