State's Attorney

O R D E R S O F P R OT E C T I O N If you suspect a teen may be involved in an abusive dating relationship, it is important to start the dialogue with the teen. Do not be upset if the teen feels more comfortable talking with a relative, trusted family friend, teacher or counselor. It is important how you respond to help him/her feel safe, be safe and start the healing process. Remain calm, avoid being judgmental, never blame the teen and listen. Dating violence victims may face a number of obstacles when seeking assistance. Although most communities support and respond to domestic or intimate partner violence, dating violence victims are often not adequately supported by service delivery systems. For teens and young adults, the only available help may be adult-focused services that teens are unlikely to find accessible or friendly. Few domestic violence shelters accept teens (as the primary victims), and parental consent laws complicate delivery of medical, mental health, and other services. Teens my be concerned about privacy and confidentiality. If their states have mandatory reporting requirements, teens may be discouraged from seeking help. Nineteen states and the District of Columbia allow teen victims of dating violence to petition the court for a protection order without representation by a parent, or legal or appointed guardian. Illinois is one of ten states that gives the judge discretion to decide whether a teen can file for a protection order on their own. National Center for Victims of Crime ©2005 ACCESS TO PROTECTION ORDERS Protection orders are civil court orders that a victim can request from the court to get protection from an abuser. The protection order can order an abuser to stop harming the victim, stop having contact with the victim, or stop contacting the victim at work or school. TYPES OF ILLINOIS ORDERS OF PROTECTION AND NO CONTACT ORDERS Domestic Violence Order of Protection Who is eligible for these protections Remedies & Protections Sexual Assault Civil No Contact Order Family or household members: • Related by blood, or by current or former marriage • Share or formerly shared a common dwelling (home) • Have or allegedly have a child in common • Share or allegedly share a blood relationship through a child • Have or had a dating or engagement relationship • High risk adult with disabilities who is abused by a family member or care-giver Any person who is a victim of non-consensual sexual conduct or sexual penetration can petition for this order. The judge can grant up to eighteen remedies, from prohibiting further abuse, ordering the offender to stay away, revoking FOID card, to protecting property and pets, financial support, temporary care of children, and exclusive possession of the home. The judge can grant any or all of the following remedies: • Prohibit contact with victim • Stay away from victim generally • Stay away from specific locations • Protection of property and pets • Order the offender to transfer to another school if the victim and offender attend the same school • Other injunctive relief necessary to protect the petitioner The following people also can be protected by this order: • Family or household member of that victim • Rape crisis center employees and volunteers Stalking No Contact Order Any person who is the victim of a course of conduct which causes that victim to fear for his or her safety or the safety of another person, or to suffer emotional distress, and relief is not available to the victim under the Illinois Domestic Violence Act or from a Sexual Assault Civil No Contact Order. The judge can grant any or all of the following remedies: • Prohibit further stalking or threatening to stalk • Prohibit contact with victim • Stay away from specific locations • Prohibit FOID card and firearms • Other injunctive relief necessary to protect the petitioner Attorneys’ fees are the only financial remedy available. Office of Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan Policy Division 2012 LAKE COUNTY STATE’S ATTORNEY’S OFFICE • 2012 2 PARENT/TEACHER/COMMUNITY community outreach - Teen Dating Violence: Parent/Teacher/Community Resources 25

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