Domestic Violence Awareness

The Champaign Police Department is committed to serving our community and preventing acts of domestic violence.

Per Illinois law, police officers must take steps to protect a victim of domestic violence whenever a family or household member has committed any act of abuse. According to the Illinois Domestic Violence Act, domestic violence is any person who hits, chokes, kicks, threatens, harasses, or interferes with the personal liberty of another family or household member.

Domestic Violence does not have to be physical. Other forms of abuse can be just as damaging. These acts include:

• Sexual abuse
• Verbal abuse
• Psychological/emotional abuse
• Neglect

Domestic violence is an epidemic affecting individuals in every community regardless of age, economic status, sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, or nationality. One commonality most abusers have over their victims is an effort to maintain power and control over them.

Potential warning signs of abuse include but are not limited to:

• Criticizing the victim for daily things, such as cooking, clothes, and/or appearance
• Physical signs of harm, such as bruising, welts, burns and lacerations.
• Isolation; keeping or discouraging the victim from seeing friends or family members
• Stalking
• Yells and makes the victim feel small

Help for Victims:

If you or someone you know believe domestic violence is occurring, please seek immediate assistance.

For anonymous, confidential help available 24/7, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE). For local services, please visit our Community Resources page.

For additional facts, myths and ways to prevent and stop domestic violence, please visit the Illinois State Police webpage by clicking here. Additional information may also be found by visiting the Illinois Attorney General webpage by clicking here.

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