Illinois Domestic Violence 24 Hour Helpline For Survivors in Illinois 877-863-6338

National Domestic Violence Hotline/Linea Nacional Sobre La Violencia Domestica: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
TTY For The Deaf/TTY para los Sordos: 1-800-787-3224

Safety Alert for Battered Women: Computer use can be monitored and it is impossible to completely clear information viewed on the Internet from your computer. If you are in danger, please use a safer computer, call your local hotline, and/or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline. If you are at a safer computer, please click here for more information on using computers more safely.

Domestic Abuse Court Advocates and Domestic Violence Programs

If you cannot find an Attorney to help you, most Illinois Domestic Violence Programs have Domestic Abuse Court Advocates who are non-attorneys that have specialized knowledge in how to file an Order of Protection in Court.

Click here to read the law on the Role of the Domestic Abuse Advocates in Court.

Many times these Court Advocates also work with the Victim and her Attorney to explain the dynamics of domestic violence and provide support to the Victim in the court process. The Advocate provides the Victim's attorney help in preparing the Victim for court and gathering reports and other evidence. The Court Advocate also provides social service information, transportation, and emotional support to the Victim.

Click here to see a List of Domestic Violence Programs in your area.

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Are Clerks of the Court Required to Provide Forms and Clerical Assistance?

Clerks of the Court are required by the Illinois Domestic Violence Act to provide simplified forms and clerical assistance to domestic violence victims who do not have attorneys.

Click here to read the Illinois law that requires Clerks to provide clerical assistance.

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Are there any Filing or Service Charges to get an Order of Protection?

The Illinois law states there is no filing fee with the Court or fee to serve the abuser the Order of Protection by the sheriff. There also should be no charge for certifying the Order.

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