How Courts Handle Spouse Abuse Cases

• NCJ Number: 120980
• Author(s): D B Yavitz
• Date Published: 1989
• Length: 28 pages
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Presented to the American Medical Association Conference on the Prevention of Family Violence and Victimization, October 5-7, 1989.

Annotation

This appendix to a paper on court and doctor responses to domestic violence presents the Illinois Domestic Violence Act, a sample petition for order of protection, a sample order of protection, and a list of State domestic violence laws.

Abstract

The Illinois Domestic Violence Act recognizes domestic violence as a serious crime and aims to increase the effectiveness of court and law enforcement efforts to address domestic violence. The act aims to ensure the prompt entering and diligent enforcement of court orders which prohibit abuse and reduce the abuser's access to the victim. Related issues of child custody and economic support are also addressed. The act clarifies the responsibilities and supports the efforts of police to provide immediate, effective assistance and protection for victims of domestic violence. Overall, the act expands the civil and criminal remedies for domestic violence victims, including the remedies which effect physical separation of the parties to prevent further abuse. The list of State domestic violence laws presents the code number and title.