Domestic Violence

Obtaining and Defending Orders of Protection

Domestic violence is the secret scourge of modern society. Too often, it is kept buried beneath a couple’s public facade. The happy pair you know could have a hidden life of physical and emotional pain behind closed doors. Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence – your relatives, your friends, your neighbors. Once domestic violence enters into someone’s life, it can be very hard to emotionally and mentally remove its scars. Besides the psychological damage to a person’s sense of trust, the likelihood of someone encountering domestic violence again is high. Many children who are abused or witness abuse will grow up to either become abusive or victims of domestic violence. The vicious cycle often has no end, and can continue indefinitely without the right support and/or therapy.

Domestic violence is a commonly misunderstood crime and can manifest itself in many forms. As part of the abuse, victims are often manipulated into thinking that behavior is justifiable, acceptable, and will stop.

Here are some questions to ask yourself:

• Have I been hit, choked, or physically restrained?
• Has my partner made threats toward me, the children, or other family members?
• Have I been verbally abused?
• Have I been sexually abused?
• Do I rationalize or make excuses for the other party’s behavior?
• Do I blame the behavior on drinking or drug use?
• Do I blame a bad childhood? Stress? Myself?
• Do I feel completely controlled by my partner? Does he/she control me with money?
• Have I been isolated from friends or family by my partner? Have my friends told me that they don’t like my partner? Have they stopped calling me? When was the last time that I spent time with my family?

Domestic violence can be: physical (ex: hitting), emotional, sexual, and even financial. Domestic violence in all its forms is a serious issue and one that must be addressed immediately for the health and welfare of yourself and your family. Children that live in a household with domestic violence experience stress and resulting anxiety and depression.

What to do if you are being abused:

1. If you are in danger or think you might be, immediately call 911.
2. Make sure that you are in a safe place.
3. When police arrive, ask police to arrest the abuser and ask for an Emergency Protective Order.

​Illinois recognizes the tragedy that comes with domestic violence and has developed the Domestic Violence Act to provide the victims of domestic violence with a path to protection. Michael Roe represents victims of domestic violence in obtaining Illinois Orders of Protection.

False Accusations Against You of Domestic Violence?

While the Illinois Act is a useful shield against violence, the Act has been wrongly used as a sword in an effort to make a false accusation of abuse, particularly in a custody case. Michael Roe has written about these false accusations in the context of a partner with a Borderline Personality Disorder, where the disordered violent partner accuses the healthy partner of abuse. If you believe you have been falsely accused of abuse, talk to our firm…we have successfully defended these tragic cases, and brought justice to an unjust situation.

Michael Roe can help you through this difficult time. Call us at (331) 222-9161 or contact us online.