Frequently Asked Question regarding the Crime Victims Compensation Act:

Can I Get My Medical Expenses and Lost Wages paid through the Illinois Crime Victims Compensation Program?

See a "Rights of Victims" form that the Police give to the Victim at the domestic violence scene.

If a beating caused you to incur medical bills and/or lost wages from your job, the Illinois Crime Victims Compensation program may pay you for those losses.

Victims of violent crime and their families may receive up to $27,000 in compensation for justified expenses incurred as a result of violent crimes. Eligibility for financial assistance is determined by statutory requirements including notification of law enforcement within 72 hours of the crime, cooperation with prosecution and claim investigation, full exhaustion of additional available resources and remedies, and a lack of contributory misconduct by the victim.

740 ILCS 45/7.1 defines the contents of the application which is filed with the Illinois Attorney General's Office's Crime Victim Services Division. There is no filing fee. The Attorney General then files the application with the Court of Claims, receives the police reports, investigates the claim, and submits a report and recommendation to the Court of Claims. A victim may request an appeal hearing with the Court of Claims if dissatisfied with the Court's decision. Crime victims' advocates within State's Attorney's Offices may have application forms available.

To be eligible for compensation, you must:

• file and press criminal charges against the Abuser,
• file a "Notice of Intent" to seek compensation within six months,
• live separately from the Abuser at the time you file your "Notice of Intent" and at the time the compensation is awarded, and
• file an application for compensation within one year of the injuries.

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Battery is a crime . Any person who hits, chokes, kicks, threatens, harasses or interferes with the personal liberty of another family or household member (except reasonable parental discipline) has broken the law.

Victims of domestic violence have the right to:

• Be protected from further abuse, neglect and exploitation
• Press criminal charges against the abuse. (NOTE: Jail is not the only outcome if the abuser is found guilty.)

The Court may now issue an Order of Protection on the victim's behalf. The Order can:

• Protect from further abuse, neglect and exploitation*
• Bar the violent party temporarily from the home*
• Order the offender to pay support, medical costs and legal expenses
• Award child custody and prohibit child snatching
• Prohibit destruction of victim's property
• Require offender to undergo counseling
• Offer other relief as appropriate.

To obtain an Order of Protection :

1. Ask your attorney to file a petition in civil court; or
2. Request an Order of Protection in conjunction with divorce proceedings; or
3. Request an Order of Protection during the course of criminal prosecution.

An Order can be requested on your own behalf and/or on behalf of a child or an incapacitated adult.

Law Enforcement Officers are to use all reasonable means to prevent further abuse, including:

• Arranging for the victim's transportation to a medical facility or safe shelter; and/or accompanying the victim back to the residence to get belongings
• Arresting the abuser where appropriate, and completing a police report on all bona fide incidents
• Advising the victim of her/his rights and the importance of preserving evidence

If the abuser has left the scene and has not been arrested, you can still press criminal charges by going to your local State's Attorney's Office during normal business hours.

To contact the Domestic Violence program in your area, see the last two pages of this book. For other help, contact:                 

*Violation of these provisions is a Class A misdemeanor.

Officer's Name	Department	Date	Badge No.

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