FAQ's

The Illinois Domestic Violence Act (IDVA) provides comprehensive legal protections for victims of domestic abuse. It not only defines what constitutes abuse but also imposes legal duties on law enforcement officers, including:

• Promptly responding to domestic violence reports
• Taking reasonable steps to prevent further abuse
• Enforcing valid orders of protection
• Documenting incidents with written reports

When police fail to fulfill these obligations, they may be violating state law and your constitutional rights.

Yes. If law enforcement failed to intervene, enforce an order of protection, or take your safety seriously, you may have grounds for a legal claim under the IDVA and possibly under federal civil rights laws.

You may have a legal case if law enforcement:

• Did not arrest or detain a known abuser during a domestic violence call
• Refused to enforce an active order of protection
• Ignored or minimized reports of abuse
• Failed to investigate or document repeated incidents
• Enabled further abuse, injury, or death through inaction

Victims of police inaction or negligence may pursue:

• Civil damages under the Illinois Domestic Violence Act
• Federal civil rights claims under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 for failure to protect or deliberate indifference
• Wrongful death lawsuits if a loved one was killed following police failure to act

At Meyer & Kiss, we fight for accountability—whether through negotiated settlements or trial litigation.

• Proven experience in civil rights and police misconduct cases
• Compassionate, trauma-informed legal representation
• We partner with survivors—we don’t just represent them
• No legal fees unless we win compensation for you

You deserved protection when you needed help. If law enforcement let you down during a domestic violence crisis, Meyer & Kiss is here to help you hold them accountable. Contact us today for a confidential consultation and take the first step toward justice.