What Constitutes Non-Physical Domestic Violence?

 Posted on February 25, 2025 in Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is not always obvious and it can take different forms other than physical abuse. Many people trapped in abusive situations do not realize that they are experiencing domestic violence. Others may feel pressured into silence out of fear of retaliation. If you or somebody you love has been subject to domestic violence, an Illinois family law attorney can provide you with legal advice and representation.

At Fawell & Fawell, we know how sensitive issues of domestic violence can be. We can provide you with private counsel and help you file a protective order against your abuser if necessary. By getting legal protection, you can start protecting yourself and other members of your household from violence, threats, and harassment.

Harassment

Under Illinois law, harassment is defined as unnecessary conduct that would reasonably cause another person distress. Examples of harassment include:

• Making a scene at the victim’s workplace or school

• Repeatedly calling the victim

• Following the victim around without express consent

• Stalking the victim outside his or her residence, school, or workplace

• Threatening to take the victim’s child away or removing the child outright

• Issuing a threat of physical violence

A protective order can shut down harassment from an abuser by prohibiting contact with you or a child in your care. At Fawell & Fawell, we can document instances of harassment to build a case for a court hearing.

Willful Deprivation

Willful deprivation refers to intentionally withholding necessities like medication, shelter, or food to somebody with a health condition or disability. To qualify as willful deprivation, there needs to be a serious risk of harm to the victim’s physical or mental health. 

Willful deprivation may be used as a means of controlling someone in a relationship. For instance, an abuser who hides antidepressants from his or her partner could be found to have committed willful deprivation. As part of a plenary order of protection, you could be reimbursed for medical expenses and other losses caused by an act of willful deprivation.

Interference With Personal Liberty

Interference with personal liberty is often closely tied to willful deprivation. This refers to conduct by an abuser that is meant to isolate a victim or force him or her to comply with certain demands. The key element of interference is that the abuser is infringing on something the victim has a right to do, like talk to friends, visit family, or go out on his or her own.

Some abusers use emotional manipulation to get what they want. In some cases, abusers threaten self-harm or suicide to keep their partners from leaving – a sadly common example of interference with personal liberty. As part of the judge’s order in a domestic violence hearing, an abuser may be required to attend counseling.

Meet With a Wheaton, IL Domestic Violence Lawyer

Nobody deserves to feel trapped in a relationship. If you or somebody you know is going through a dangerous home situation, you can contact our DuPage County, IL family law attorneys at Fawell & Fawell to get help. Call our offices at 630-871-2400 for a free consultation.