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1. What should I do if the defendant violates bond by contacting me?

Call the police and make a report. This is to document what occurred, place, time, who was present, and what was said, if anything. Be sure to tell the reporting police officer that you are a victim in a pending criminal case and the defendant is out on bond with a no contact condition. Give the officer the name of the prosecutor handling the case. Next, contact the victim specialist assigned to your case. A violation of bond could result in the defendant’s bond being raised or revoked at the next court appearance. 

2. What is a Domestic Order of Protection?

A domestic order of protection is one tool that can help a victim of domestic violence gain independence and stop the abuser from hurting them or any children involved. An order of protection and condition of bond are two separate remedies. For assistance obtaining a domestic order of protection, please contact A Safe Room/D100 at 847-360-6471. If there is a pending criminal case, please contact the victim specialist assigned to your case to assure you are aware of the status of the case. Make sure to notify the victim specialist of any changes in address or contact information. 

3. Who is eligible for a Domestic Order of Protection?

Any family or household members related by blood, 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, are high risk adult with disabilities who are or have been abused by a family member or car-giver, are all eligible. 

4. What do I do if my Domestic Order of Protection is violated?

You should immediately call the police and file a police report. If there is a pending criminal case, you should also notify the victim specialist or prosecutor assigned to your criminal case.

5. What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence happens when one partner or family member attempts to gain power and control over the other by using various forms of abuse. These unhealthy relationships can include physical, emotional/psychological, verbal, economic, and/or sexual abuse.

6. Can I drop charges against the defendant/offender?

No. In criminal prosecutions, the case is captioned, "The People of the State of Illinois vs the Defendant." The prosecutor takes into consideration what the victim would like to see happen in a criminal case, but the prosecutor, who is obligated to protect society, makes the final decision about whether a case proceeds or not.