Start an online petition to ask for an Order of Protection

FIRST, look at the information below to see if you meet the three requirements for this kind of case. If you meet these requirements, then you may ask (petition) for an Order of Protection in Rock Island County.   

The person needing protection (usually you) is called the “Petitioner”. The “Respondent” is the person that you want protection from.  


1. HOW YOU ARE RELATED TO THE RESPONDENT (at least one must apply)

  • We are married, or we used to be married (husband, wife, spouse) 
  • We are dating each other, or we used to date (boyfriend, girlfriend, intimate partner) 
  • We have a child together
  • We are family members (parent, child, sibling, step-parent, step-child, or other family relationship) 
  • We live together, or we used to live together (roommate, housemate, live-in partner) 
  • I have a disability, and the Respondent is my caregiver (personal assistant)  

2. RECENT INCIDENT OF ABUSE OR THREAT (most, if not all, must apply)

  • The Respondent has done something abusive (physical, verbal, harassing, or stalking) 
  • This abuse happened roughly within the past 3 weeks 
  • The Respondent has a history of abuse toward you or other people 
  • The abuse is getting worse, or you think the abuse would get worse if the Respondent knew you were asking for an Order of Protection

3. LOCATION (at least one must apply)

  • I (the Petitioner) live in Rock Island County 
  • The Respondent lives in Rock Island County 
  • The abuse happened in Rock Island County 
  • I (the Petitioner) fled to Rock Island County for my safety, and I am living here for now to stay safe  

If you do not meet the requirements to ask for an Order of Protection, there are other types of protective orders that may meet your situation. Learn more about other kinds of protective orders.


SECOND, if you qualify to ask for an Order of Protection  

Note: When you submit an online Petition for Order of Protection, you must provide a valid email address so you can receive your receipt number.

If the person you are asking for the Order of Protection against was NOT arrested, or taken to jail for the abuse, then:  

You should check the box next to “Civil Proceeding” on the Petition for Order of Protection form, then complete the rest of the online Petition for Order of Protection. You will not be able to change it once it is submitted so be sure it is accurate and complete before you do. 

For the next steps, you will need to know the following information about the Respondent:   

Full name   
Complete address and county where they live   
Date of birth    

To continue your application, you must physically go to the Rock Island County Justice Center and let a staff member know you are asking for an Order of Protection and complete the rest of the needed forms.  You may have an opportunity to meet with a domestic violence advocate from Family Resources. This may take several hours. You can proceed with seeking an Order of Protection regardless of whether an advocate is present to assist you.

Rock Island County Justice Center
8:00am – noon or 1:00pm – 4:30pm, Monday - Friday
1317 3rd Ave Suite 101
Rock Island,  Illinois 61201  


If the person you are asking for the Order of Protection against was arrested or taken to jail for the abuse, then:  

You should check the box next to “Criminal Proceeding” on the Petition for Order of Protection form, then complete the rest of the online Petition for Order of Protection. You will not be able to change it once it is submitted so be sure it is accurate and complete before you do.  

For the next steps, you will need to know the following information about the Respondent:
Full name   
Complete address and county where they live
Date of birth   


To continue your application, you must physically go to the Rock Island County State’s Attorney’s Office and let a staff member know you are asking for an Order of Protection related to a pending criminal case.  They will have you meet with a domestic violence advocate.  This may take several hours. 

Rock Island County State’s Attorney’s Office
Rock Island County Courthouse – Second Floor
1317 3rd Avenue, Rock Island, IL 61201
8:00am – noon, 1:00pm - 4:30pm, Monday - Friday
Call for an appointment: 309-558-3251 


THIRD, to finish the process you must go before a judge. An advocate will go with you or a staff member will direct you where to go.  

If the Petition is granted by the judge, the Respondent will automatically be served the paperwork by the Rock Island County Sheriff’s Office.   

If the Petition is denied by the judge, and if you were working with an advocate, the advocate will talk to you about possible options and safety plans. You will still be able to pursue a 2-year Plenary Order of Protection; however, you will have to have the Respondent served with a Summons and Notice of Hearing.