Resources for Survivors of Domestic Violence During COVID-19 Pandemic
If you are a survivor of domestic violence and need immediate assistance please call 911.
What are Protective Orders and who can get them?
An Order of Protection (OP), or “restraining order” is a legal document signed by a judge that prohibits abusive behavior against survivors. Any household or family member, which includes spouse, domestic partner, persons related by blood or marriage, persons in a dating relationship (former or current), parents, or children, may petition for an OP. Under an OP the court can:
- Stop the offender from further abuse
- Prevent the offender from entering a shared home
- Order the offender to stop contacting the survivor
- Grant temporary care of children
- Prohibit the offender from possessing firearms
A Civil No Contact Order (CNCO) is a civil "stay away" order for survivors of non-consensual sexual conduct or sexual penetration who do not have a relationship with the offender. Under a CNCO, the court can:
- Order the offender to not have any contact with the survivor
- Prohibit the offender from possessing firearms
A Stalking No Contact Order (SNCO) is a civil "stay away" order for survivors of stalking who do not have a relationship with the offender. Under an SNCO, the court can:
- Order the offender to not have any contact with the survivor
- Prohibit the offender from possessing firearms
How to get Protective Orders during COVID-19 pandemic
Chicago: An emergency OP can be filed at the Domestic Violence Courthouse at 555 W. Harrison St. Chicago, IL 60607.
Suburbs: An emergency OP can be filed at each suburban courthouse with the exception of District 4 (Maywood). District 4 residents can file for an emergency order of protection at 555 W. Harrison St. Chicago, IL 60607.
How to seek charges if the offender is not present when law
enforcement arrives:
Chicago: Survivors can call a Victim Witness Specialist at 773-674-7200 for information.
Suburbs: Survivors should work directly with local law enforcement to obtain a warrant and seek charges.
Visit the Cook County State’s Attorney website for more information.