Illinois Domestic Violence Act of 1986, as amended, is located here.  The Domestic Violence Act defines “abuse” as physical abuse, harassment, intimidation of a dependent, interference with personal liberties or willful deprivation.  ”Abuse” DOES NOT include “reasonable direction of a minor child by a parent of person acting as the child’s parent.  Physical abuse and corporal punishment are NEVER “reasonable”.

You have the right to live your life free of harm from others, particularly the ones that are supposed to love and care for you.  It is an even more serious problem when children are involved or exposed.  Recognizing domestic violence is a serious crime, that the legal system has ineffectively dealt with family violence, and to expand the civil AND CRIMINAL remedies for victims of domestic violence, the Illinois Legistlature passed laws to protect victims of domestic violence from their abusers.

If you or your children are victims of domestic abuse, please call your local police department or 911 and report the abuse immediately.  Then call your domestic relations or family law attorney and a therapist.

Domestic violence is extremely serious–for the victim, families of the victim and also the falsely accused.  If you are a victim of domestic violence or a family member of an abused person, please call the police, then a therapist or religious leader, then call an attorney.  The sooner the better.

For those persons who have been falsely accused of domestic violence there are many steps you need to take RIGHT NOW…many you should not take.