Divorce and Domestic Violence in Illinois

 Posted on November 07, 2013 in Children

If you are a victim of domestic violence, filing for divorce can produce higher levels of anxiety for you. Knowing that you will be able to get the assistance you need, however, can be a good way to take the first step and bring you to safety. Hiring a DuPage County lawyer will help to relieve some of your concerns by giving you a sense of what to expect and how to proceed.

In addition to the federal Violence Against Women Act, at the state level there is also the Illinois Domestic Violence Act. Domestic violence is a crime, and in Illinois the standard concerns any person who chokes, hits, kicks, threatens, harasses, or interferes with the personal liberty of a household or family member.

Recently, Governor Pat Quinn has made a concerted effort to tackle domestic violence in the state. Several new laws designed to reduce incidents of domestic violence have recently been at the forefront of the attention of public officials. These laws increase penalties for repeat offenders, require school districts to adopt procedures related to teen dating violence, and support domestic violence victims who might be covered under the abuser's insurance policies.

Going through a divorce as a victim might raise other legal issues for you, such as whether you will need an order of protection. Many domestic violence victims face a greater chance of violence after leaving the home, and obtaining a protection order can provide you with some safety and security. You may also need to discuss how criminal charges in a domestic violence case can affect you throughout the divorce, especially if the alleged abuser intends to file for custody of any children. Going through a divorce as a domestic violence victim can be greatly helped by retaining an Illinois family law attorney from the outset of your case.