The term domestic violence includes felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence committed by a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the victim; by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common; by a person who is cohabitating with or has cohabitated with the victim as a spouse or intimate partner; by a person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim under the domestic or family violence laws of the state or jurisdiction; or by any other person against an adult or youth victim who is protected from that person’s acts under the domestic or family violence laws of the state or jurisdiction.

In an emergency, victims of domestic violence should call 911 or contact state or local law enforcement officials who can respond to these crimes. Individuals in need of non-emergency assistance can also call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE or visit www.TheHotline.org.

In Illinois, domestic violence is defined under the Illinois Domestic Violence Act of 1986. The Act recognizes domestic violence as any act of physical abuse, harassment, intimidation of a dependent, interference with personal liberty, or willful deprivation by a family or household member, which includes spouses, former spouses, parents, children, stepchildren, and other relatives by blood or by present or prior marriage, persons who share or formerly shared a common dwelling, persons who have or allegedly have a child in common, persons who share or allege to share a blood relationship through a child, and individuals who have or have had a dating or engagement relationship. The law covers a wide range of relationships to encompass various forms of domestic violence. Victims of domestic violence in Illinois can seek orders of protection, which are legal orders issued by a court to prevent further abuse. In cases of emergency, victims are encouraged to call 911, while non-emergency assistance can be sought through the National Domestic Violence Hotline or local resources. It is important for victims to know that help is available and that the law provides mechanisms for their protection and safety.