Legal Advocacy Services
Advocacy services are available for victims of domestic violence including both women and men. advocacy services are provided in each of our four offices and at other locations as necessary. Services include the following:
Court Advocacy
Advocates are available to assist victims in obtaining Orders of Protection under the Illinois Domestic Violence Act. The Violence Prevention Center offers education and Court Advocacy for obtaining Orders of Protection.
An Order of Protection can:
- Be obtained without cost
- Prohibit further abuse
- Bar the abuser temporarily from the home
- Award temporary custody or determine visitation of minor children
- Prohibit destruction of victim's property
- Prohibit the abuser from victim's place of employment
- Offer other relief as appropriate
- Require offender to undergo counseling
- Order the abuser to pay support, medical costs, and legal expenses
Police Advocacy
Advocates are stationed in numerous police stations to assist victims of domestic violence after a domestic violence incident. Participating police departments include Belleville, Cahokia, Centerville, Collinsville, Dupo, East Carondelet, East St. Louis, Fairmont City, Fairview Heights, O'Fallon, St. Clair County Sheriff's Department, Swansea, and Washington Park. Potential clients are asked to call the hotline to make an intake appointment.
The Director of Legal Advocay
The Director of Legal Advocacy assists victims in the Tracy Fogarty Center where the abuser is under criminal charges for domestic violence. Advocacy includes assistance with Orders of Protection, working with the Assistant State's Attorneys regarding the case, and helping victims obtain resources and compensation to find safety and begin to put their lives back together. Violence Prevention Center advocates participate on a Multi-Disciplinary Team alongside the State's Attorney's Office, Probation, and the St. Clair County Sheriff's Department to collaborate in fighting domestic violence and assisting victims.
Director of Legal Advocacy
Lisa Chilton
lisa.chilton@vpcswi.org
(618) 236-2531 ext 123
Tracy Fogarty Center: (618) 277-5165