A Guide to
Illinois
Protective
Orders
Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault
Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault
100 N. 16th Street
Springfield, IL 62703
217-753-4177
www.icasa.org
In collaboration with
Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation
307 N. Michigan Ave. Suite 1818
Chicago, IL 60601
773-244-2230
www.caase.org
Published 2021
This project was supported by Grant No. 2015-WL-AX-0035 awarded by the Office on
Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions,
and recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not
necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Department of Justice.
A Guide to Illinois Protective Orders
- 1 -
Protective Orders: An Overview
What is a protective order?
A court order that requires the person who caused harm, called the respondent or the
offender, to stay away from the person they sexually assaulted or sexually abused,
committed domestic violence against, or stalked. In this brochure, “protective order” refers to
any of the three orders listed below.
• Civil No Contact Order for Sexual Assault
• Order of Protection for Domestic Violence
• Stalking No Contact Order
Who is eligible for these protections?
Domestic Violence
Order of Protection
Family and household members who:
m are related by blood, or by
current or former marriage to
the offender;
m share a common home with
the offender;
m have or allegedly have a child
in common with the offender;
m share or allegedly share a
blood relationship with the
offender through a child;
m have or had a dating
relationship or engagement
with the offender;
m are high risk adults with
disabilities abused by family
member/caregiver
.
Sexual Assault
Civil No Contact Order
Any person who is a victim of
nonconsensual sexual conduct
or sexual penetration.
These orders also can protect
the following people:
m Family or household
members of a victim; and
m Rape crisis center
employees and volunteers.
Stalking
No Contact Order
Any person who is the victim of a
course of conduct that causes
the victim to fear for his or her
safety or the safety of another
person, or to suffer emotional
distress, and relief is not
available to the victim through
the Illinois Domestic Violence Act
or through a Sexual Assault Civil
No Contact Order.
Source: Illinois Attorney General’s Office
A Guide to Illinois Protective Orders
- 2 -
Civil No Contact Order (CNCO)
What is a CNCO?
A court order that requires a person who has committed sexual assault or abuse to stay
away from the person they sexually assaulted or sexually abused.
Who can ask for a CNCO?
Any person, regardless of age, who has been sexually touched or penetrated in a way that
they did not agree to can ask the court for a CNCO. You do not need to have a dating
relationship with the offender to get a CNCO. If you get a CNCO, you may request that
people in your family or home also be protected by the order.
If there is a criminal charge against the offender, the State’s Attorney can request a CNCO.
How do I ask for a CNCO?
You can find a petition for a CNCO on your county clerk’s website. You must fill out the
petition and state who committed a non-consensual sexual act against you and describe the
act. You may be asked to electronically file (e-file) these documents with the court, or you
may qualify for an exemption from electronic filing and file a paper form. An advocate with
your local rape crisis center can help you with filing the petition. A listing of rape crisis centers
located in Illinois can be found at the back of this brochure.
If you are a minor, your parent, guardian, or other appropriate adult can file on your behalf. If
you are an adult who because of age, disability, health, or inaccessibility cannot file the
petition, another adult can file on your behalf.
The forms will be served on the offender by the Sheriff.
A Guide to Illinois Protective Orders
- 3 -
What do I need to prove?
You will need to prove that, more likely than not, the offender engaged in a sexual act with
you to which you did not consent. You will not need to prove there is an ongoing pattern of
abuse.
What will the CNCO do?
The CNCO will require the offender to stay away from you. The offender may be ordered to
stay away from your home, school, or work. The offender also may be ordered not to
contact you by telephone, email, text, letters, through another person, or any other method
of communication. You may also be able to get a CNCO against anyone who helped the
offender commit the non-consensual sexual act.
Where can I find the law?
Civil No Contact Order Act: 740 ILCS 22
A Guide to Illinois Protective Orders
- 4 -
Illinois Domestic Violence Act Order of Protection (OP)
What is an OP?
A court order that requires a person who has committed domestic abuse to stay away from
those they have abused.
Who can ask for an OP?
Anyone who has been abused, harassed, threatened with harm, or deprived of basic
necessities by a person who is their current or former romantic/dating partner, current or
former spouse, family, or household member. OPs also can be used to protect disabled or
at-risk adults from exploitation.
If there is a criminal charge against the offender, the State’s Attorney can request an OP.
How do I ask for an OP?
You can find a petition for an OP on your county clerk’s website. You must fill out the petition
and say who committed abuse against you, and include some details of the abuse. You may
be asked to e-file these documents with the court, or you may qualify for an exemption from
e-filing and file a paper form. If you are a victim of sexual assault, your local rape crisis
center can help you with filing the petition. If you are not a victim of sexual assault but have
been abused by a partner, family member, or member of your household, you can request
assistance from your local domestic violence advocacy agency.
If you are a minor, your parent, guardian, or other appropriate adult can file on your behalf. If
you are an adult with disabilities at high risk of abuse and exploitation, your guardian or any
adult can file on your behalf.
The forms will be served on the offender by the Sheriff.
A Guide to Illinois Protective Orders
- 5 -
What do I need to prove?
You will need to prove that you were (or were threatened to be) physically and/or sexually
abused, harassed and/or stalked, or deprived of your basic needs and/or freedom due to
your age, health, or disability. To prove you were harassed, you need to show that the
offender acted against you in a way that would cause any reasonable person to be
distressed and that you were distressed by their conduct. You will also need to describe the
relationship between you and the person who caused you harm.
What will the OP do?
An OP will likely require a person to both stay away and not contact the person they abused.
However, an OP can also help someone sort out many matters that will help them escape an
abusive situation, such as award exclusive possession of a residence, exclusive possession
or return of physical property (including pets), and require an abuser to attend counseling.
For those who have children in common with their abuser, an OP can decide temporary
physical custody and allocation of responsibilities regarding the children, set a parenting time
schedule, and order the abuser to pay child support. The OP may also prohibit the person
who has committed domestic violence from possessing a Firearm Owner’s Identification Card.
Where can I find the law?
Illinois Domestic Violence Act of 1986, Article II, Orders of Protection: 750 ILCS 60
A Guide to Illinois Protective Orders
- 6 -
Stalking No Contact Order (SNCO)
What is a SNCO?
A court order that requires a person that has stalked another person to stay away from and
not contact that person.
Who can ask for a SNCO?
Anyone who has been stalked - the law defines stalking as a course of conduct (two or more
times) of unwanted contact with another person. The law acknowledges that there are many
ways to commit stalking, and lists many examples that could amount to stalking, including
electronic and internet communications.
If the person stalking you is a family member or current/former romantic partner, an OP is
likely a more appropriate option.
If there is a criminal charge against the offender, the State’s Attorney can request a SNCO.
How do I ask for a SNCO?
You can find a petition for a SNCO on the county clerk’s website. You must fill out the petition
and state who has stalked you and describe the two or more incidents of stalking. You may
be asked to e-file these documents with the court, or you may qualify for an exemption from
e-filing and file a paper form. Your local rape crisis center may be able to help you with filing
the petition.
If you are a minor, your parent, guardian, or other appropriate adult can file on your behalf. If
you are an adult who because of age, disability, health, or inaccessibility cannot file the peti-
tion, another adult can file on your behalf.
The forms will be served on the offender by the Sheriff.
A Guide to Illinois Protective Orders
- 7 -
What do I need to prove?
You will need to prove that the respondent committed two or more acts (a pattern) of stalking
against you. Stalking means that the offender acted toward you on two or more occasions in
a way that they knew or should have known would cause you to reasonably fear for your
safety or for the safety of a workplace, school, or place of worship, or cause you to suffer
emotional distress. Stalking does not include acts that are a legal exercise of the right to free
speech.
What will the SNCO do?
The SNCO will prohibit the person who has committed stalking from contacting or having a
third party contact the victim of stalking. The SNCO may also prohibit the person who has
committed stalking from going within a certain distance of the victim’s home, school, or work-
place or from possessing a Firearm Owner’s Identification Card.
Where can I find the law?
Stalking No Contact Order Act: 740 ILCS 21
A Guide to Illinois Protective Orders
- 8 -
Emergency Orders
What if I need immediate protection?
After you complete the forms, ask to see a judge for an emergency protective order. The
offender usually is not present when you have a hearing with the judge for an emergency
protective order. An emergency protective order lasts from 14 to 21 days.
What happens after I get an emergency order?
The Sheriff delivers copies of the order to the offender. This is called "service of process."
Service of process is required by law.
What if I need an order that lasts longer?
To obtain an order for longer than 14 to 21 days, called a plenary protective order, you will
have to return to court and state your reasons for seeking the plenary order at a hearing. The
court may continue to extend your emergency order if it takes more time to serve the
offender, or if the court needs extra time to set a hearing date regarding your petition for a
plenary order. Even if the court does not grant you an emergency order, you may still seek a
plenary order.
A Guide to Illinois Protective Orders
- 9 -
Plenary Orders
What happens at the plenary hearing?
You and the person who harmed you will have an opportunity to testify at the plenary
hearing. The respondent or their attorney will be allowed to ask you questions, this is called
cross examination, and they may ask pointed questions, which could feel uncomfortable or
confusing. If the judge finds that the offender touched you sexually without your consent, the
court will issue a plenary CNCO. If the judge finds the offender committed domestic abuse,
the court will issue a plenary OP. If the judge finds you were stalked, the court will issue a
plenary SNCO.
What if the offender does not show up at the plenary hearing?
If the offender was served your forms, the judge may give you a plenary protective order
even if the offender is not at the hearing. If the offender was not served, the judge will
reschedule the hearing for another day. If that happens and you have an emergency order,
the order will be extended until the date of the next hearing.
How long will the plenary order last?
A plenary protective order can last up to two years.
How do I extend a protective order?
An existing protective order may be extended if the respondent does not object and the
petitioner is not seeking a modification to the order. Be sure to file a motion for the extension
before the existing order expires.
What happens if the offender violates a protective order?
If the offender approaches or contacts you, call 911, and tell the dispatcher that you have a
CNCO, OP, or SNCO. Violating one of these protective orders is a crime. The police will
respond to a report of a violation by investigating and may arrest the offender if the officer
has probable cause to believe the offender violated the protective order.
Protective Orders in Criminal Cases
What orders can be entered in criminal cases?
CNCOs, OPs, and SNCOs may be entered in conjunction with a criminal prosecution or
delinquency petition (in juvenile court).
When can a petition be filed?
The petition may be filed at any time after a criminal charge or delinquency petition is filed.
Who may file the petition?
The petition may be filed by the State’s Attorney, the victim, or the victim’s attorney. If the
victim requests that the State’s Attorney file a petition on their behalf, the State’s Attorney
must do so unless they have a good faith reason to delay and inform the victim that they will
not be filing the petition at that time.
What evidence must be presented to support granting a protective order in
criminal cases?
The court may grant the protective order based on the charging document without the victim
needing to testify. The respondent may rebut the charging document by presenting evidence
of a defense that is likely to succeed.
How long does a protective order in a criminal case last?
An ex parte order, which is like an emergency order, can be issued prior to giving the
respondent notice and having a hearing. The ex parte order remains in place until the
request for a final protective order is considered by the court.
A Guide to Illinois Protective Orders
- 10 -
A Guide to Illinois Protective Orders
- 11 -
A final protective order remains in effect during the criminal proceeding and:
• until disposition, withdrawal, or dismissal of the charge, or up to two years if the petition is
continued as an independent cause of action;
• for two years after the expiration of any supervision, conditional discharge, probation,
periodic imprisonment, parole, aftercare release, or mandatory supervised release;
• for two years after the date set by the court for expiration of any sentence of
imprisonment and any subsequent parole, aftercare release, or mandatory supervised
release; or
• permanently for SNCOs if a judgment of conviction for stalking is entered.
Where can I find the law?
Protective orders in criminal cases: 725 ILCS 5/112A.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to hire a lawyer?
No. You may want to consult with a lawyer, and you have the right to hire a lawyer to
represent you, if you want. However, most people obtain a protective order on their own or
with help from a rape crisis center or other victim services advocate.
Do I need to file a police report?
No. A judge can issue a protective order based on your word alone. If you have witnesses, a
police report, photographs of injuries, or medical bills/records, bring them with you when you
go to court. They may help your case.
Do I need a sexual assault evidence collection kit?
No. Should you choose to do so, you may obtain medical forensic services, including
evidence collection, from a treatment hospital within seven days of a sexual assault at no
charge to you.
What information do I need to file the petition?
• Name of the person who caused harm – this will be the respondent
• Address of where they can be found (work, home, school, etc.)
• Date of birth is not needed, but can be useful
• Police report number (if applicable)
• Examples of contact/abuse, such as a written description of the events, screenshots of
messages, voicemails, photos, records of previous incidents, hospital reports, etc.
• Names and addresses of places you want the respondent to not be allowed to go, for
example: your home, where you work, or where you go to school (if applicable)
• Names of members of your household you also want protected (if applicable)
A Guide to Illinois Protective Orders
- 12 -
A Guide to Illinois Protective Orders
- 13 -
Where can I file the petition?
You can file the petition with the Illinois circuit court in the county where you live, where the
respondent lives, or where the harm occurred, whichever is most convenient for you.
How much will it cost to file for a protective order?
You do not have to pay to file your forms or have the Sheriff deliver the forms to the offender.
Who will help me?
An advocate from a rape crisis center or domestic violence agency can help you fill out the
forms, accompany you to court, answer your questions, and provide support. A list of Illinois
rape crisis centers is printed at the end of this brochure.
What support can an advocate provide to me?
Advocates are free, confidential support persons that any survivor can access. They can
help with the following:
• Explain the process for obtaining or extending a protective order
• Fill out paperwork
• Accompaniment to court
• Keep track of documentation and court dates
• Discuss other potential legal remedies
• Refer you to other services
What if my order is not granted?
It is important to remember that protective orders do not determine the validity of your
experience. An order not being granted does not mean that the harm did not happen.
You can contact your local rape crisis center or domestic violence agency to discuss other
options and support that may be available to you. They can also help you make a safety
plan.
A Guide to Illinois Protective Orders
- 14 -
m NORTH
Addison*
YWCA Metropolitan Chicago
Patterson & McDaniel Family
Center
24 hrs. 888-293-2080
Arlington Heights
Northwest CASA
24 hrs. 888-802-8890
www.nwcasa.org
Aurora
Mutual Ground, Inc.
24 hrs. 630-897-8383
www.mutualground.org
Belvidere*
Rockford Sexual Assault
Counseling, Inc.
24 hrs. 815-636-9811
Berwyn*
CARE Center
24 hrs. 708-482-9600
Chicago Heights*
YWCA Metropolitan Chicago
South Suburban Center
24 hrs. 888-293-2080
DeKalb
Safe Passage, Inc.
24 hrs. 815-756-5228
www.safepassagedv.org
Dixon*
YWCA of the Sauk Valley
24 hrs. 815-288-1011
Elgin
Community Crisis Center
24 hrs. 847-697-2380
www.crisiscenter.org
Evanston*
Northwest CASA
at the Evanston Civic Center
24 hrs. 888-802-8890
Freeport
VOICES of Stephenson County
24 hrs. 815-232-7200
www.voicesofsc.org
Galena
Riverview Center
24 hrs. 888-707-8155
www.riverviewcenter.org
Gurnee
Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center
24 hrs. (847) 872-7799
www.zcenter.org
Hickory Hills
Pillars Community Health
24 hrs. 708-482-9600
www.pillarscommunityhealth.org
Joliet
Sexual Assault Service Center
Guardian Angel Community
Services
24 hrs. 815-730-8984
www.gacsprograms.org
Kankakee
The Clove Alliance
24 hrs. 815-932-3322
www.clovealliance.org
Kewanee*
Freedom House
24 hrs. 800-474-6031
McHenry*
Northwest CASA
The Care Center of McHenry
County
24 hrs. 800-892-8900
Morris*
Sexual Assault Service Center
Guardian Angel Community
Services
24 hrs. 815-730-8984
Mount Carroll*
Riverview Center
24 hrs. 815-244-7772
Oregon*
Rockford Sexual Assault
Counseling, Inc.
24 hrs. 815-636-9811
RAPE CRISIS SERVICES IN ILLINOIS NORTH REGION
A Guide to Illinois Protective Orders
- 15 -
Ottawa*
Safe Journeys
24 hrs. 800-892-3375
Peru*
ADV & SAS
24 hrs. 800-892-3375
Plainfield*
Sexual Assault Service Center
Guardian Angel Community
Services
24 hrs. 815-730-8984
Pontiac*
ADV & SAS
24 hrs. 800-892-3375
Princeton
Freedom House
24 hrs. 800-474-6031
www.freedomhouseillinois.org
Quad Cities
Family Resources, Inc.
24 hrs. 866-921-3354
www.famres.org
Rockford
Rockford Sexual Assault
Counseling, Inc.
24 hrs. 815-636-9811
www.rockfordsexualassaultcounseling.org
Sandwich*
Safe Passage, Inc.
24 hrs. 815-756-5228
www.safepassagedv.org
Sycamore*
Safe Passage, Inc.
24 hrs. 815-756-5228
www.safepassagedv.org
Skokie*
Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center
24 hrs. (847) 872-7799
Sterling
YWCA of the Sauk Valley
24 hrs. 815-626-7277
www.ywsauk.org
Streator
Safe Journeys
24 hrs. 800-892-3375
www.safejourneysillinois.org
Watseka*
Clove Alliance
24 hrs. 815-932-3322
m CHICAGO
Chicago 24-Hour Hotline
1-888-293-2080
Resilience
www.ourresilience.org
• Stroger Hospital*
• Austin*
• Northside*
Mujeres Latinas En Acción
www.mujereslatinasenaccion.org
• North Riverside*
• South Chicago*
YWCA Metropolitan Chicago
www.ywcachicago.org
• Cynthia B. Lafuente Center*
• Englewood*
• Laura Parks and Mildred Francis
Center*
• RISE Children’s Center*
*Designates satellite and outreach
offices of main centers
RAPE CRISIS SERVICES IN ILLINOIS NORTH REGION / CHICAGO
A Guide to Illinois Protective Orders
- 16 -
m CENTRAL
Bloomington
Stepping Stones
Sexual Assault Services
YWCA McLean County
24 hrs. 309-556-7000
www.ywcamclean.org
Charleston/Mattoon
Sexual Assault Counseling
& Information Service
24 hrs. 888-345-2846
www.sacis.org
• SACIS Main*
• SACIS Counseling*
Cuba*
WIRC/CAA Victim Services
Fulton County
24 hrs. 309-837-5555
Danville
Survivor Resource Center
24 hrs. 866-617-3224
www.survivorresourcecenter.org
Decatur
Growing Strong Sexual
Assault Center
24 hrs. 217-428-0770
www.growingstrongcenter.org
Galesburg*
WIRC/CAA Victim Services
Knox County
24 hrs. 309-837-5555
Jacksonville*
Prairie Center Against
Sexual Assault
24 hrs. 217-753-8081
Macomb
Western Illinois Regional Coun-
cil/Community Action Agency
Victim Services
24 hrs. 309-837-5555
www.wirpc.org/victim-services
Mt. Sterling*
Quanada
24 hrs. 800-369-2287
Quincy
Quanada
Sexual Assault Program
24 hrs. 800-369-2287
www.quanada.org
Paris*
Survivor Resource Center
24 hrs. 866-617-3224
www.survivorresourcecenter.org
Peoria
Center for Prevention of Abuse
Sexual Assault Services
24 hrs. 309-691-4111 or
800-559-SAFE
www.centerforpreventionofabuse.org
Pittsfield*
Quanada Pike County
24 hrs. 800-369-2287
Rushville*
Quanada Schuyler County
24 hrs. 800-369-2287
Springfield
Prairie Center Against
Sexual Assault
24 hrs. 217-753-8081
www.prairiecasa.org
Taylorville*
Prairie Center Against
Sexual Assault
24 hrs. 217-753-8081
Urbana/Champaign
Rape, Advocacy, Counseling and
Education Services
24 hrs. 217-384-4444
www.cu-races.org
RAPE CRISIS SERVICES IN ILLINOIS CENTRAL REGION
A Guide to Illinois Protective Orders
- 17 -
RAPE CRISIS SERVICES IN ILLINOIS SOUTH REGION
m SUR
Alton*
Call for Help, Inc.
Sexual Assault Victims Care Unit
24 hrs. 618-397-0975
Aviston*
Sexual Assault and
Family Emergencies
24 hrs. 800-625-1414
Belleville
Call for Help, Inc.
Sexual Assault Victims Care Unit
24 hrs. 618-397-0975
www.callforhelpinc.org
Carbondale
Survivor Empowerment Center
24 hrs. 618-529-2324 or
800-334-2094
www.thewomensctr.org
• Northeast – Eurma C. Hayes
Community Center*
Centralia*
Sexual Assault and
Family Emergencies
24 hrs. 800-625-1414
East St. Louis*
Call for Help, Inc.
Sexual Assault Victims Care Unit
24 hrs. 618-397-0975
Effingham*
Sexual Assault and
Family Emergencies
24 hrs. 800-625-1414
Harrisburg*
Survivor Empowerment Center
24 hrs. 800-334-2094
Marion*
Survivor Empowerment Center
24 hrs. 800-334-2094
Mt. Vernon*
Sexual Assault and
Family Emergencies
24 hrs. 800-625-1414
Olney*
Counseling & Information
for Sexual Assault/Abuse
24 hrs. 866-288-4888
Robinson*
Counseling & Information
for Sexual Assault/Abuse
24 hrs. 866-288-4888
Troy*
Call for Help, Inc.
Sexual Assault Victims Care Unit
24 hrs. 618-397-0975
Vandalia
Sexual Assault and
Family Emergencies
24 hrs. 800-625-1414
www.safecrisiscenter.org
*Designates satellite and outreach
offices of main centers
www.icasa.org 217-753-4117
