1. Victim and Witness Rights
- Illinois Attorney General – Crime Victim Services
Provides crime victim compensation, support for court proceedings, and referrals to local legal and crisis services. - Illinois Department of Human Services – Domestic Violence Services
Offers support, shelter information, and crisis assistance for victims of violence or harassment.
2. Free and Low-Cost Legal Aid Programs
- Illinois Legal Aid Online
Statewide portal for free legal forms, self-help resources, and referrals for harassment, stalking, or civil protection matters. - Prairie State Legal Services
Offers free civil legal help to low-income residents across northern and central Illinois, including abuse and harassment cases.
3. Relevant Laws
- Stalking: 720 ILCS 5/12-7.3 through 12-7.5
What it means: Includes following, monitoring, threatening, or communicating in a way that causes a person to fear for their safety. Cyberstalking is also covered. - Harassment: 720 ILCS 5/26.5-1 (Harassing Communications)
What it means: Covers threats, obscene language, or repeated contact via phone or electronic means with intent to annoy, abuse, or alarm another person. - Bullying: No adult criminal statute. Governed under 105 ILCS 5/27-23.7 (School Code)
What it means: Illinois schools must have anti-bullying policies. Includes cyberbullying and peer intimidation. Schools must investigate and respond to reports. - Defamation: Civil tort, not criminal. Guided by Illinois common law and court precedent.
What it means: Defamation claims may involve libel (written) or slander (spoken) falsehoods that cause damage. Illinois recognizes per se categories like accusations of crimes or dishonesty.
4. Reporting and Hotlines
- Dial 911 for immediate threats or safety concerns.
- File non-emergency reports with your local police department or sheriff’s office.
- Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ICADV)
Offers access to emergency shelter, legal advocacy, and survivor-centered programs statewide. - Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-877-863-6338
Provides 24/7 support, referrals, and safety planning across Illinois.
5. Support Organizations
- Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Leads advocacy and outreach through a network of survivor shelters and legal service providers. - Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation (CAASE)
Provides legal help, counseling, and education for survivors of online harassment and exploitation.
6. Civil Remedies and Protection Orders
Illinois residents may file for a Civil No Contact Order, Order of Protection, or Stalking No Contact Order depending on the type of harm. Legal aid organizations and court advocates are available to assist with filing and representation in court.
Important Note on Jurisdiction: If the individual you are seeking a restraining order against lives in a different state, your local court may not have jurisdiction to enforce that order. In most cases, you must file for protection in the state where that individual resides or where the conduct occurred. This applies even in situations involving online harassment, defamation, or stalking. Contact legal aid services in both your state and the other person’s state for guidance.
7. Youth and School Resources
- Illinois State Board of Education – Bullying Prevention
Provides resources, district guidance, and complaint information for school-based bullying and harassment.
8. Court Forms and Filing Help
- Illinois Legal Aid – Protection Order Tools
Interactive forms, court info, and filing help for stalking, harassment, and protective order cases.
9. Online Safety and Privacy Tools
- NNEDV Tech Safety Toolkit
Provides guidance for survivors navigating digital abuse, doxing, or cyberstalking situations.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
