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Domestic Violence Support & Restraining Order Information

This platform does not replace professional, trauma-informed counseling. If you are in need, we encourage seeking help from qualified professionals.

Crisis Support

1. National Hotlines

The National Domestic Violence Hotline

(800) 799-SAFE (7233)

The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides essential tools and support to help survivors of domestic violence.

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The National Sexual Assault Hotline

(800) 656-4673 & RAINN

The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network is the largest nonprofit anti-sexual assault organization in the United States.

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Understanding Advocacy

4. What is a domestic violence (DV) advocate, and how can they help me?

Advocates provide support, information, and connections to resources — they are not attorneys.

Safety Planning — What advocates can help with outside of court

Domestic violence advocates in California can help you think through immediate and ongoing safety concerns, whether or not you plan to file for a Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO). Safety planning may include discussing safer ways to communicate, document incidents, protect your location and online accounts, and plan for situations at home, work, school, or during court-related events.

Advocates do not tell you what legal steps to take, but they can help you identify risks and options based on your circumstances and connect you with crisis support if needed. Safety planning is available regardless of income, immigration status, or whether a restraining order case is pending.

Court Accompaniment — Understanding the DVRO process and court expectations

In many California counties, domestic violence advocates are available through local shelters, nonprofit organizations, or court-based programs to help explain what happens during a DVRO case. This can include reviewing hearing notices, explaining courtroom roles, helping you organize paperwork, and accompanying you to court for emotional support during a hearing.

Advocates do not represent you, speak on your behalf, or give legal advice. However, they can help you understand the DVRO process, court timelines, and what documents the judge may review—support that can be especially helpful for self-represented litigants preparing or responding to restraining order requests.

Resource Referrals — Connecting you to local and statewide support services

Domestic violence advocates can connect you with additional resources that may be relevant during or after a DVRO case, including emergency shelter, counseling, financial assistance programs, legal aid organizations, and survivor support services. Referrals are typically tailored to your location and needs.

For people navigating the DVRO process on their own, advocates can be an important bridge to services that support safety and stability alongside court proceedings. These referrals are informational and supportive in nature and are available even if you choose not to pursue a restraining order.

DVRO Basics

5. What Is a Domestic Violence Restraining Order?

Legal Overview

A Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO) is a legal order issued by a court in California to protect individuals from abuse or threats of abuse. In California, individuals who have experienced domestic violence, or whose minor child has, at the hands of a current or former intimate partner, immediate family member, or household member, are eligible to file for a DVRO.

A California judge may grant a request for a DVRO if the person requesting the restraining order can prove that they or their minor children have been abused by the other party.

Eligibility

6. Do You Qualify for a DVRO?

Who Can File — Family Code § 6211

Family Code section 6211 defines the categories of individuals who may seek protection for abuse/domestic violence:

  • A spouse or former spouse
  • A cohabitant or former cohabitant
  • A person with whom the respondent is having or has had a dating or engagement relationship
  • A person with whom the respondent has had a child
  • A child of a party
  • Any other person related by consanguinity or affinity within the second degree

In other words, a person is considered a victim of domestic violence in California if the person who abused them is someone they are or were married to, dated, lived with (as more than just roommates), share a child with, or are closely related to by blood or marriage.

Legal Definitions

7. What Counts as Abuse Under California Law?

Legal Definition — Family Code § 6203 & § 6320

Family Code section 6203 defines "abuse" as it relates to domestic violence:

"(a) For purposes of this act, 'abuse' means any of the following: (1) To intentionally or recklessly cause or attempt to cause bodily injury. (2) Sexual assault. (3) To place a person in reasonable apprehension of imminent serious bodily injury to that person or to another. (4) To engage in any behavior that has been or could be enjoined pursuant to Section 6320. (b) Abuse is not limited to the actual infliction of physical injury or assault."

Family Code section 6320 also helps define "abuse" by outlining the circumstances under which a court may issue an emergency temporary restraining order, including "disturbing the peace" of the other party — conduct that, based on the totality of the circumstances, destroys the mental or emotional calm of the other party, whether committed directly or indirectly, including through a third party or through phone, online accounts, text messages, or other electronic technologies. This includes coercive control, a pattern of behavior that unreasonably interferes with a person's free will and personal liberty, such as:

  • Isolating the other party from friends, relatives, or other sources of support
  • Depriving the other party of basic necessities
  • Controlling, regulating, or monitoring the other party's movements, communications, daily behavior, finances, economic resources, or access to services
  • Compelling the other party by force, threat of force, or intimidation — including threats based on actual or suspected immigration status — to engage in conduct from which the other party has a right to abstain, or to abstain from conduct in which the other party has a right to engage
  • Engaging in reproductive coercion

Types of Abuse

Physical Abuse

Intentional or reckless conduct that causes, or attempts to cause, bodily injury. This includes hitting, kicking, grabbing, pushing, choking, restraining, or blocking someone's movement, as well as threats of serious physical harm.

Emotional / Psychological Abuse

A pattern of behavior intended to control, intimidate, or undermine another person's emotional well-being. This can include insults, humiliation, intimidation, threats, manipulation, or coercive control that interferes with daily life.

Economic / Financial Abuse

Using money, work, or access to basic resources as a means of control. Examples include taking income, restricting access to bank accounts, preventing employment, or refusing to pay for necessities to create dependence.

Digital / Cyber Abuse

Using phones, social media, email, or other technology to harass, threaten, impersonate, monitor, or control someone. This can include unauthorized account access, tracking, repeated messages, or online intimidation.

Stalking

Repeated or ongoing conduct — such as following, monitoring, contacting, or surveilling — that causes someone to feel afraid, harassed, or unsafe. Stalking can occur in person or online, even without physical contact.

Sexual Assault

Any nonconsensual sexual contact or conduct, including acts accomplished through force, fear, threats, or coercion. Consent must be freely given, and sexual abuse can occur within intimate or family relationships.

Reproductive Coercion

Behaviors that interfere with a person's reproductive autonomy, such as sabotaging birth control, pressuring pregnancy decisions, controlling access to reproductive healthcare, or threatening harm related to pregnancy or contraception.

Self-Assessment

8. Not Sure Yet? Take the Free Self-Assessment

If you're unsure whether your situation qualifies for a DVRO, our free self-assessment can help you understand which path makes sense — no commitment, no payment required.

Restraining Order Basics

9. Types of Restraining Orders & How Long They Last

Emergency Protective Order

Up to 5 court days or 7 calendar days

Temporary Restraining Order

Until the court hearing (about 3 to 4 weeks unless extended)

Permanent (Long-Term) Restraining Order

Up to 5 years (can be renewed for 5 more years or indefinitely)

Child Custody and Visitation Order

Until changed by a new court order (even if the DVRO expires)

Child or Spousal Support Orders

Until changed by a new court order (even if the DVRO expires)

What a DVRO Can Do

10. What Can a DVRO Actually Order?

Order to Not Abuse

Orders stopping the restrained party from abusing the protected party. This can also apply to additional protected parties, such as children and roommates.

No-Contact Order

Orders prohibiting the restrained party from contacting the protected party in any way — talking to, calling, or sending messages, directly or indirectly, in person, online, or through third parties.

Stay-Away Order

Orders prohibiting the restrained person from coming within a specified distance (like 50 or 100 yards) of the protected party or protected locations such as their home, workplace, school, or vehicle.

Child Custody and Visitation Order

Orders outlining how parenting time, rights, and responsibilities are shared between parents over their minor children.

Child Support Order

Court-ordered payments, typically made by a noncustodial parent to the other parent for support of their minor child or children.

Spousal or Domestic Partner Support Order

Court-ordered recurring payments from one spouse (or registered domestic partner) to the other to maintain the marital standard of living.

Other Common Orders

Move Out Order

Orders making the restrained person move out of a household shared with the protected party.

Property Control

Orders giving the protected party sole possession, use, or control over certain property (real estate, vehicles, items, etc.).

Batterer Intervention Program

Orders making the restrained party attend a 52-week batterer intervention program.

Firearm, Firearm Parts, and Ammunition Restrictions

Orders stopping the restrained person from owning or acquiring a gun or other prohibited items while the restraining order is in effect.

Payment for Costs and Services

Orders making the restrained party reimburse the protected party for costs and services incurred as a result of the abuse.

Care of Animals/Pets

Orders giving the protected party sole possession, care, and control of animals/pets.

Debt Payment for Property (Bill Payment)

Orders making the restrained party continue to make payments on shared debts or bills.

The Process

11. Basic Steps to Request a DVRO

1

Request a DV Restraining Order

You must file (submit) the necessary paperwork to ask the court for a DVRO. The judge will decide whether you need a "temporary" restraining order right away, which can offer protection in the time leading up to the hearing on your request for a "permanent" restraining order (aka a DVRO).

2

Serve the Other Party

The person you want protection from must be served with (given) copies of the papers you filed with the court, according to CA's laws governing proper service of process. You must submit a Proof of Service to the court afterward.

3

Attend the Court Hearing

You will tell the judge why you need a DVRO, and the other party will have the chance to present their side. Both parties can bring witnesses and evidence in support of (or in opposition to) the requested orders.

4

Complete Your Case

The judge may grant or deny a "permanent" restraining order, which can offer protection for up to 5 years. Protected parties can ask the court to renew an order within 3 months of its expiration for an additional 5 years or indefinitely.

Representing yourself in a Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO) case?

See UDIL's in person and online DVRO services below!

See DVRO Services