Many victims of domestic violence hesitate to contact a domestic violence hotline or shelter because they do not know what to expect. The fear of the unknown sometimes outweighs the fear and uncertainty they face at home, even when their safety may be at risk. Although every shelter program is different, they also have many…Read More
Protective Factors to Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect
The month of April is National Child Abuse Protection Month, but of course every day of every month a child may be subjected to abuse at home. While it is important to recognize warning signs of abuse and neglect so that every child gets the immediate help they need, many wonder if there are ways…Read More
Spike in Domestic Violence During Covid-19 Restrictions
With the recent closure of schools and businesses, where many have been asked to stay home to stem the spread of Covid-19, health officials are concerned about an uptick in domestic violence. Calls from victims of domestic violence are not only increasing in volume, but intensity of distress levels and courthouses across the nation have…Read More
Consequences For Domestic Violence Crimes
Domestic violence is a crime that can spell serious consequences for the perpetrator. For a crime to be considered domestic violence, the abuser and the victim have to have a specific relationship under the law. Someone may be charged for committing an act of violence under the Illinois Domestic Violence Act if they are your…Read More
Exclusive Possession of the Marital Residence in an Illinois Divorce
Under the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (IMDMA), exclusive possession of the marital residence means that one spouse is subject to temporary eviction from the home while a divorce case is pending. Exclusive possession allows one spouse to go so far as to change the locks on the matrimonial home if he or…Read More
Protecting Pets in Domestic Violence Situations
Many victims of domestic violence are concerned about what will happen to their pets if they separate from their abusive partner. According to A Safe Place for Pets, some 65% of victims are unable to escape domestic violence because they fear what will happen to their beloved dogs or cats if they leave them behind….Read More
Fighting an Illinois Restraining Order Alleging Domestic Abuse
Unfortunately, domestic violence continues to be a serious problem across the nation and in Illinois. The Illinois Domestic Violence Act (750 ILCS 60/) provides victims a way to get court orders of protection, aka restraining orders, to protect victims and their children from abusers. Although certainly many incidences of abuse can be prevented using restraining orders, sometimes…Read More
Spyware Fuels Domestic Violence
According to numerous reports, there are hundreds of cell phone apps that can be used to stalk a current or former romantic partner, putting victims of domestic abuse at increased risk. Ostensibly, companies claim that the apps are merely tools to keep tabs on a phone or an errant teen by monitoring location and activities….Read More
Invisible Injuries of Domestic Violence
What researchers have learned from combat soldiers and football players and car-accident victims is only now making its way into the domestic-violence community: that the poor recall, the recanting, the changing details, along with other markers, like anxiety, hyper-vigilance, and headaches, can all be signs of traumatic brain injury inflicted at the hands of an…Read More
Domestic Abuse Peaks During Holidays
Unfortunately, every year there is an increase in domestic abuse around the holidays. People are spending more time together and sometimes there are disagreements that lead to violence, particularly against women and children. Last year around this time, Rock Island County in Illinois reported a spike in domestic response calls and a increase in the…Read More
