What Is Domestic Violence?

 Posted on November 06, 2025 in Domestic Violence

Domestic violence in any form is a harrowing thing to live through. All too often, the victims of abuse are pressured into silence under the threat of harm, further isolating them from critical resources. If you are experiencing abuse in your family or household – or you know someone else who is – you should know that you can take legal action for your protection.

At The Law Offices of Curtis Bennett Ross, L.L.C., our Cook County, IL family law attorney can help victims of domestic violence pursue orders of protection in a timely manner, as we prioritize our clients’ immediate safety. Our firm will provide you with individualized counsel and attentive service for your case. If you are at immediate risk of harm, call 911 and seek refuge at a shelter or the residence of somebody you trust.

What Domestic Violence Looks Like in Illinois

Domestic violence can take many different forms, but the most recognizable kind is physical abuse. Under 750 ILCS 60/103, the following acts are recognized as physical abuse:

• Any knowing or reckless behavior that puts somebody at immediate risk of physical harm

• Knowingly depriving someone of sleep on a repeated basis

• Knowingly or recklessly using physical force, confinement, or restraint

Note that protective orders are intended specifically to stop abuse committed by someone in your family or household (such as a spouse, romantic partner, ex, or blood relative). If your relationship to the abuser is not covered by a protective order, you could petition for a Stalking No Contact Order or a Civil No Contact Order.

Is Harassment Considered Domestic Violence in Illinois?

As previously mentioned, domestic violence encompasses many unwanted acts committed by a family or household member. This can include harassment, even when no physical force is involved. Under state law, harassment is defined as unnecessary, knowing conduct that results in emotional distress to the victim, when said conduct would cause any reasonable person distress.

The burden is on the petitioner to show that the abuser’s conduct constitutes harassment. However, some acts are presumed to cause emotional distress by law, including creating a disturbance at somebody’s school or workplace, repeatedly calling someone’s home or workplace, and repeatedly following somebody in a public place.

Taking Legal Action Against Domestic Violence

If you have suffered physical abuse or harassment from an abuser, you can take immediate action by seeking an emergency order of protection. This can be granted based solely on your testimony to a judge, usually lasting for two to three weeks until a court hearing can be scheduled, preventing your abuser from going near you or committing any further harm.

Above all else, prioritize your own safety when seeking an emergency order of protection. Some people may react unpredictably or lash out when served with a protective order, so seeking refuge ahead of time is advisable. An emergency order of protection can be extended into a plenary order of protection after a hearing, which lasts for up to two years.

Contact a Chicago, IL Domestic Violence Lawyer

Domestic violence is not always easy to identify, and even then, some people do not know that they have legal recourse to stop violence in their households. At The Law Offices of Curtis Bennett Ross, L.L.C., we strive to empower victims of abuse by seeking orders of protection. To schedule a free limited consultation with our Cook County, IL family law attorney, call us at 312-984-1514 today.