§ 204

Application of rules of civil procedure; rape crisis advocates. (a) Any proceeding to obtain, modify, reopen or appeal a civil no contact order shall be governed by the rules of civil procedure of this State. The standard of proof in such a proceeding is proof by a preponderance of the evidence. The Code of Civil Procedure and Supreme Court and local court rules applicable to civil proceedings shall apply, except as otherwise provided by this Act. (b) In circuit courts, rape crisis advocates shall be allowed to accompany the victim and confer with the victim, unless otherwise directed by the court. Court administrators shall allow rape crisis advocates to assist victims of non-consensual sexual conduct or non-consensual sexual penetration in the preparation of petitions for civil no contact orders. Rape crisis advocates are not engaged in the unauthorized practice of law when providing assistance of the types specified in this subsection (b). Communications between the petitioner and a rape crisis advocate are protected by the confidentiality of statements made to rape crisis personnel as provided for in Section 8-802.1 of the Code of Civil Procedure.

Legislative History

(Source: P.A. 93-236, eff. 1-1-04.)