How Does Illinois Address Domestic Battery Crimes?
Domestic battery is an Illinois crime that involves harmful or offensive contact between people who share a relationship. Often referred to as domestic violence, this offense only occurs if the perpetrator and victim share some kind of relation, such as family members or romantic partners.
What is the Illinois Definition of Domestic Battery?
720 ILCS 5/12-3.2 defines what qualifies as domestic battery under Illinois law. This section prohibits any person from knowingly and without legal justification:
-
Causing bodily harm to any family or household member; or
Making physical contact of an insulting or provoking nature with any family or household member.
On a related note, 720 ILCS 5/12-0.1 clarifies the definition of a family or household member under Illinois law. This term can refer to a person’s:
-
Present or former spouse;
Parents, children, step-children;
Other relatives by blood or marriage;
Cohabitants or roommates;
Co-parent to a child in common;
Blood