Chicago's DV Court Facility

In the old courthouse, domestic violence complainants rode the same small elevators and hearings were held in small courtrooms -- fertile ground for further intimidation. So Cook County Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans proposed a new facility, which has been in operation since 2005. Not only does it separate victims and perpetrators, it "also houses women's advocacy groups, offices of the state's attorney, a pro bono legal services office for victims seeking orders of protection, and free child care for parents attending court proceedings." Daily Herald | Judge forms panel to review domestic violence court, Aug. 22, 2008.