What is the difference between Orders of Protection and Civil No Contact Orders?
If you are a victim of sexual or domestic violence or believe yourself at risk, there are court orders to help protect you. what is an Order of Protection An order of protection is a court order that is specifically designed to stop violent and harassing behavior and to protect you and your family from the abuser. The abuser may be a boyfriend or girlfriend, or someone you date or dated, a spouse or ex-spouse, family member or caregiver. A sexual or domestic violence victim in Illinois should NEVER ask for a “restraining order” because in Illinois a restraining order” will NOT afford the same remedies or enforcement protections as an Illinois Order of Protection. You can file for an order of protection on behalf of yourself your minor child, an incapacitated adult, or another household member. In Illinois, same-sex partners, including someone you date, dated, or lived with, are eligible to file as well. For more information on orders of protection and how to obtain them, see http://www.womenslaw.orgp/IL/IL_how_to.htm
What is a Civil No Contact Order?
The Civil No Contact Order is a civil “stay away” order for rape victims who do not have a relationship with the offender. Under a CNCO, the court orders the offender not to have any contact with the victim. For information on how to obtain a Civil No Contact Order, contact the closest ICASA rape crisis center.