Domestic Violence Deaths on the Rise in Illinois

 Posted on August 07, 2024 in Domestic Violence

According to various reports, domestic violence deaths increased in Illinois by 110% in the year 2023. This troubling fact highlights the need for serious legal protection and support for victims. This is a real issue affecting families and communities and it needs real responses. This article will explain some legal measures that are already in place to help victims of domestic violence. If you are a victim and need legal advice, speak with a knowledgeable and compassionate St. Charles, IL family law attorney who can guide you at this difficult time.

Restraining Orders to Combat Domestic Violence

Legal measures exist to protect victims and prevent further violence. An order of protection, commonly known as a restraining order, is one of them. This legal order can help keep abusers away and provide safety for victims by imposing physical restrictions on where they can be in relation to their victims. It can include rules like prohibiting the abuser from contacting or coming near the victim or going to the victim’s school, work, or home.

Karina’s Bill: Hope for the Future

Orders of protection should save lives, but they have their shortcomings, and legislators have been working on addressing these. One significant development is known as Karina’s Bill. Named after a 15-year-old victim of domestic violence who was shot along with her mother after the latter had already received an order of protection, this law aims to add additional protections. Namely, if passed, it would require more thorough background checks on individuals who apply for a firearm owner’s ID and ensure that courts are more aware of any previous domestic violence when making decisions. It would also allow for something called a firearm remedy, which would mean that if a victim of domestic violence is granted an order of protection, any guns owned or possessed by the person who is issued the order will be removed. This helps prevent dangerous individuals from having access to firearms, which can be a serious risk in domestic violence situations.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Kane County, IL Family Law Attorney

If you are a victim of domestic violence, do not wait until it is too late for you or your children. Speak immediately with an experienced St. Charles, IL order of protection lawyer to understand your rights. At Goostree Law Group, we are dedicated to helping our clients get past the painful periods in their lives so they can start a fresh chapter and move on. Call us at 630-584-4800 to schedule a free consultation so we can explain the process to you.