NCJ Number
93835
Date Published
1983
Length
49 pages
Annotation
This manual is a comprehensive explanation of law enforcement's responsibilities under the Illinois Domestic Violence Act, which is designed to provide effective legal remedies for domestic violence victims.
Abstract
The manual's introductory section considers (1) why domestic violence is a criminal justice problem and how an effective legal system can assist the victim, (2) the tendency of domestic violence to lead to serious physical abuse and homicide, (3) the characteristics of the parties in domestic violence, and (4) the positive effects of proper police response to domestic violence calls. Other sections of the manual discuss the provisions of the Illinois Domestic Violence Act (IDVA), law enforcement responsibilities under the IDVA, suggested police policy and procedures for compliance with the IDVA, limited law enforcement liability under IDVA, and a sample order for police procedures under the IDVA. The IDVA creates a new remedy, the Order of Protection, which is a document signed by a judge of the circuit court that requires an abusive person to do certain things while refraining from other behavior. Violations of certain major sections of the order constitute class A misdemeanors. Attention to the law enforcement responsibilities under the IDVA focuses on arrest without a warrant, enforcing an order of protectoin, maintaining data on an order of protection, reporting requirements, and victim assistance. In addition to containing various sample forms used by the police under the act, attachments provide instructions for the use of LEADS computer, an outline for a domestic violence curriculum, a list of members of the IDVA Law Enforcement Advisory Committee, and other materials available on the IDVA.