A victim of domestic violence needs to document the crime. Generally this is done by completing a police report. In Chicago, a victim can call the police to the home or other location, or can report the crime in any district station. The victim will receive a copy of the report that contains an R.D. number, which is how the case report is tracked. After reporting the crime, the victim should report to Domestic Violence Court at 1340 S. Michigan.
Processing is done during the morning hours.
A victim should bring the copy of the case report and any evidence that was not processed by the police. A victim will sign in and wait for an Assistant State's Attorney to review the case. If there is probable cause to proceed, the victim will be directed to a warrant officer who will complete a complaint that will be the basis for the criminal charges and the Order of Protection. This specialist will help write the Order of Protection and offer assistance to the victim. In addition to covering the more common domestic relationships, Orders of Protection are also available to persons who have or have had a dating relationship, and to persons with disabilities and their personal assistants.