Domestic Violence Court after-hours program for emergency orders of protection serves almost 2,000

Announcement, Press Release |

The Circuit Court of Cook County’s Domestic Violence Division has helped nearly 2,000 people during its after-hours pilot program for filing petitions for emergency orders of protection, now entering its third year.

Between September 6, 2022 and August 18, 2024, judges working between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m. on weekdays and between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. on weekends have conducted hearings regarding   1,925 petitions for civil emergency orders of protection. Of these, 1,477 have been granted. 

The program, spearheaded by Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans, has assisted people in difficult circumstances, such as an assault survivor who prepared documents directly from her hospital bed, according to a court advocate.

“I would like to thank the Domestic Violence Division judges, Presiding Judge Judith C. Rice and staff, Illinois Legal Aid Online (ILAO), victim advocates, representatives of the clerk’s office and law enforcement for helping to provide this valuable service to domestic violence victims,” said Chief Judge Evans. “Their work has ensured a safe and secure environment for the hearing of domestic violence matters after regular business hours, protecting both the safety of victims and the rights of the accused.”

Before expanding the program to cover victim needs around the clock, Judge Evans wanted to test the program in a pilot. Use of the program has substantially increased in its first two years – from 25 total petitions for emergency orders of protection granted in the first six weeks to 140 petitions granted in the most recent six-week period.

 “Access to justice is critical for survivors of domestic violence,” said Judge Rice. “This program was designed to offer the court’s resources on a survivor’s terms; to literally and figuratively meet them where they are. We’re honored to be a part of this expansive and comprehensive system of support as we recognize that a survivor may find themselves in crisis any time of day and night. The sheer number of the nearly 2,000 survivors who’ve benefited from this program is a testament to its need.”

Courtney Herrera, program director for Connections for Abused Women and their Children (CAWC), said that the program is “vital” in helping survivors of domestic violence obtain orders of protection seven days a week, outside of normal business hours.

“Survivors often face numerous barriers—such as lack of transportation, childcare issues, physical injuries, or work obligations—that make accessing the courthouse difficult,” Herrera said.

Herrera said that one case involved a survivor of ongoing domestic violence who was hospitalized after an assault by her abuser.

“Fearing discharge and a return to her abuser, she received personalized legal support and assistance in preparing documents directly from her hospital bed through the after-hours program,” Herrera said.

Through the program, petitioners seeking civil emergency orders of protection complete online forms developed in partnership with ILAO. If petitioners want supportive advocacy services, including help with completing the court forms, they can work with an advocate from CAWC or The Network, Advocating Against Domestic Violence. 

Petitioners participate in a video (Zoom) hearing before the after-hours judge on duty. The hearing is recorded for later transcription by the Court Reporters Office. If an interpreter is required, the court uses a telephone-based service. Upon entry, the order is transmitted immediately to the Illinois Law Enforcement Agencies Data System (LEADS), and to the Cook County Sheriff’s Office for service on the respondent.

Judges in the Domestic Violence Division take turns doing one week on overnight and weekend duty – during that time, their regular calls are taken by another judge.

Regular business hours for the court are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., both in-person and remotely on Zoom. The top reasons petitioners give for using the after-hours program are difficulty getting off of work, fear of an abuser finding out, and the difficulty of bringing small children to the courthouse, according to LaShanda O’Quinn, suburban court administrator and supervisor of the pilot, who surveys users of the program.

“Some have to go to a friend’s house to use Zoom,” O’Quinn said. She noted that many who ask for orders of protection are seniors alleging abuse by family members. She said petitioners say they are “very grateful” for the program.

The pilot program was initiated on the recommendation of a Blue Ribbon committee of experts, which recommended best practices for the Domestic Violence Division. Chief Judge Evans reestablished the committee in October 2021, after it had been dormant for about a decade.

                                                                                              

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