If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.
There is no other first step. Safety for one’s self and/or one’s children should be of primary concern. Survivors are not alone in working toward trying to ensure that they and their children are safe. Knowing what to expect is part of that effort.
The ILLINOIS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ACT requires police officers responding to domestic violence-related calls to:
In addition, where an incident of domestic violence and the filing of an abuse incident or police report, known as a Domestic Incident Notice (DIN) Form, has occurred, survivors may request, and a copy of the DIN Form, should be made available through the City of Chicago Police Department. All DIN forms should include:
Return to Homepage | Read Recognizing the Warning Signs of Domestic Violence
There is no other first step. Safety for one’s self and/or one’s children should be of primary concern. Survivors are not alone in working toward trying to ensure that they and their children are safe. Knowing what to expect is part of that effort.
The ILLINOIS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ACT requires police officers responding to domestic violence-related calls to:
- Arrest abuser(s) where there is probable cause to believe a crime has been, or is about to be, committed;
- Assist victim(s) in immediately seeking medical attention where necessary;
- Advise victim(s) about the importance of collecting and preserving evidence;
- Arrange transportation to a medical facility or a safe place where necessary;
- Formally document via police report or other paperwork the allegation(s) or incident(s) of alleged abuse and/or domestic violence;
- Inform victims of their right to request that criminal proceedings be initiated, where appropriate;
- Ensure that victims have the complaining officer’s name and badge or star number as well as an informational overview of the relief available to them, which should include referral to domestic violence services agencies through the City of Chicago.
In addition, where an incident of domestic violence and the filing of an abuse incident or police report, known as a Domestic Incident Notice (DIN) Form, has occurred, survivors may request, and a copy of the DIN Form, should be made available through the City of Chicago Police Department. All DIN forms should include:
- A general overview of a survivor’s rights as provided by the ILLINOIS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ACT;
- Information about the legal proceedings and remedies available to them;
- General directions for obtaining an Order of Protection; and,
- Details about contacting and the services available through the Domestic Violence Help Line 1-877-TO-END-DV or 1-877-863-6338. (For TTY, call 1-877-863-6339.)
Return to Homepage | Read Recognizing the Warning Signs of Domestic Violence