Victims of Domestic Violence

Facts

  • As a victim of domestic violence, your name, address and personal identifying information can be kept confidential.
  • If your perpetrator went to jail, he or she may be released at anytime.
  • Victims of domestic violence may be eligible for temporary placement in a shelter.
  • As a victim of domestic violence, you have the right to have an advocate and/or support person of your choice to be present with you during any further interviews as it relates to this crime.
  • You may request the investigator assigned to your case to file a formal complaint with the District Attorney’s Office; however, in the State of California, victims are not responsible for pressing charges and the decision will be made by the DA’s Office.
  • A physical assault committed by a person with whom you have an existing or previous dating or marital relationship is a crime.
  • As a victim of domestic violence, you have the right to file a civil suit for losses suffered as a result of the crime.

Restraining Orders
As a victim of domestic violence, you may request a temporary restraining order that:

  • Restrains the perpetrator from hurting you, your children or family members involved
  • Directs the perpetrator to leave the home
  • Prevents the perpetrator from going to the home, school, business or place of employment of the victims
  • Awards custody of, or visitation with a minor child and protects the child(ren) from that person
  • Directs child support of minor children and other financial responsibilities
  • Directs that either or both parties participate in counseling