An OP only works when you know how to use it. Once
an order of protection is in place, if the abuser commits any act of abuse
(as defined under the Illinois Domestic Violence Act), he has committed a
crime -- the violation of an Order of Protection -- and can be arrested if
the police are called. If the abuser has been excluded from the home by an
OP and comes to the residence in violation of it, he can be arrested. He
does not have to enter the home to be in violation. He merely has to be on
the property. If the abuser has been ordered to stay away from you and he
makes contact, he can be arrested.
Violations of remedies of the OP other than those listed above require
civil court enforcement through a contempt proceeding (i.e. failure to pay
child support; failure to attend counseling as ordered).
