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a survivor of abuse or crime (domestic violence, trafficking, sexual assault, gun violence)

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Legal resources for survivors of abuse or crime, including survivors of domestic violence Harm by one household or family member against another household or family member. Harm may be an emotional, mental, or physical injury , trafficking, sexual assault When a person commits an act of sexual penetration by force or threat of force. Done without the consent of the victim. This includes when the victim cannot give consent. , and gun violence. Find more info for legal problems under Resources.
Illinois protective and restraining orders common questions
Explore the different kinds of restraining orders and protective orders available in Illinois to keep you safe.
FAQ
Starting a case to get a domestic violence Order of Protection
Learn the steps to get a domestic violence Order of Protection.
How-To
Getting a domestic violence Order of Protection common questions
Learn more about a domestic violence Order of Protection and how to get one.
FAQ
Starting a case to get a Stalking No Contact Order
Learn about steps to take to get a Stalking No Contact Order in Illinois.
How-To
Getting a domestic violence Order of Protection basics
Explore what an Order of Protection is and how it can help a survivor of domestic violence.
Guide
Protection from stalking basics
Learn more about stalking, what it is, and what legal options are available to survivors.
Guide
Reporting a crime in Illinois
Explains how to report a crime, including how to contact police, protections for immigrants, and available legal help, especially for victims seeking U or T Visas or VAWA support.
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Starting a case to enforce a domestic violence Order of Protection
Learn more about the steps needed to enforce a domestic violence Order of Protection against an abuser who violates the order.
How-To
Starting a case to get a sexual assault Civil No Contact Order
Learn more about the steps to getting a sexual assault Civil No Contact Order in Illinois.
How-To
VAWA Cancellation of Removal
Violence Against Women Act ("VAWA") cancellation of removal is for abused immigrants who are in removal proceedings. This will cancel the removal or deportation of an applicant and grant the applicant lawful permanent residence.
FAQ
Enforcing a domestic violence Order of Protection basics
Learn more about ways to enforce a domestic violence Order of Protection.
Guide
Getting a Workplace Protection Restraining Order for an employee basics
Explore information about how an employer can get a Workplace Protection Restraining Order in Illinois.
Guide
Request time off work after surviving violence
A program to help you request time off of work to deal with problems caused by violence under Victims' Economic Security and Safety Act (VESSA).
Easy Form
Protections for victims of crime with a U Visa
Information on visas to protect victims of crimes that happened in the United States. U Visa: Immigration Relief for Survivors of Domestic Violence and Other Crimes; VAWA: Immigration Relief for Survivors of Domestic Violence and Other Crimes; T Visa: Immigration Relief for Survivors of Sex or Labor
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Hate crime basics
Describes what a hate crime is and how to report it.
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Can I change my immigration status as a victim?
Undocumented victims of certain crimes, including domestic violence, and the families of the victims can qualify to stay in the United States. Both a U Visa and the Violence Against Women Act or VAWA can be used to protect you from an abuser and stay in the country.
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