WomensLaw serves and supports all survivors, no matter their sex or gender.

Legal Information: Illinois

Know the Laws - By State

Please see below for state-specific laws that might be useful for victims and survivors of domestic violence. This information is written in a Q & A format and is meant to provide you with easy-to-understand information. You can also reach us at our Email Hotline if you have more specific questions.

A brief description of the difference between state laws and federal laws.

Information about orders of protection (for victims of domestic violence and others), civil no contact orders (for victims of sexual assault), stalking no contact orders, and firearms restraining orders in Illinois.

State-specific information about parental responsibility and parenting time in Illinois.

This page addresses some general (not state-specific) laws of one parent taking a child out of the state or country, without the other parent’s consent.

Basic information about divorce in Illinois.

If you are a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, sexual abuse, or stalking, you may be able to leave your lease early, without penalty, or get your locks changed.

Illinois state law provides employment protections for victims of domestic violence, sexual violence, or gender violence who need to take time off from work to handle issues related to domestic, sexual, or gender violence.

Information about crimes the abuser may have committed in Illinois and victim assistance programs.

If you are a victim of domestic violence, it may be illegal for the abuser to buy or have a gun.

You may have a right to sue an abuser for medical costs, lost wages, and to recover your property.