Family & Safety

A sexual assault can happen with people in a relationship, as part of domestic abuse towards a partner or family member, or it can happen with someone who is just an acquaintance or unknown.

Survivors of sexual assault may wish to press criminal charges, and they would need to coordinate with the Illinois State’s Attorney to do so. If criminal charges are pressed, the court may issue an order prohibiting contact between the person who committed the assault and the survivor. This order may be in place for the duration of the case and for up to two years after the end of their sentence.

Survivors of sexual assault may also consider seeking a “Civil No Contact Order,” which is a civil case to seek protection against someone who has sexually assaulted them. This order can be in place for up to two years, but may also be extended. A survivor may apply for a Civil No Contact Order, whether or not a criminal case is pending. If the perpetrator (respondent) violates the terms of the order, they may face criminal charges as a result. 

Learn more about sexual assault and the legal options available to survivors.