Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence happens in many forms between two people in an intimate relationship. Physical violence includes kicking, punching, shoving, slapping or any way that hurts your body. Sexual violence includes unwelcome touching, fondling or forced intimacy. Emotional violence includes using coercion or threats and anger to create a controlling and fearful relationship.
There is no filing fee to apply for a Domestic Violence Restraining Order. You may apply for A Domestic Violence Restraining Order if you have been the victim of any of the following:
- Actual physical violence;
- Stalking;
- Sexual abuse;
- A serious threat of physical violence;
- Harrassing and annoying phone calls; or
- Destruction of personal property.
AND
you have a close personal relationship with the party you are asking to have restrained.
Under the law, a relationship is defined as "close" if at least one of the following is true:
- You are married or were formerly married to the other party;
- You have or formerly had an engagement or dating relationship with the other party;
- You and the other party have a child or children together;
- You are related to the other party by blood, marriage or adoption; or,
- You and the other party are living together, or formerly lived together, as members of a "household".
To apply for a Domestic Violence Restraining Order, obtain the DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RESTRAINING ORDER packet from the business office. If you do not have a with the other party, obtain the CIVIL HARASSMENT RESTRAINING ORDER packet from the business office.
Domestic Violence Clinics
Domestic Violence Clinics are staffed by volunteers and are available at the following locations to assist you with restraining order paperwork.
| REGIONAL CENTER |
TIME |
LOCATION |
Madge Bradley (Central) |
8:30am - 12:00pm 1:00pm - 4:00pm |
4th Floor |
| East County |
9:00am - 12:00pm 1:00pm - 4:00pm |
Family Law Business Office |
| North County |
8:30am - 4:30pm |
Adjacent to Civil Business Office |
| South County |
9:00am - 12:00pm 1:00pm - 4:30pm |
1st floor |
If the clinics are unable to serve you, Family Law Self-Help Facilitators are available at all locations (except Madge Bradley) to assist you with paperwork. Assistance is provided on a first come, first served basis and appointments are not available.
Please do not take your children to the DV clinic. A children's waiting room is available at each court location for your convenience. Contact Children's Waiting Room at: (619) 450-7176. Dissolution of Marriage
If there is a dissolution of marriage or other family related case on file, a Domestic Violence matter may also be filed along with that action at one of the Family Court locations listed below:
Domestic Violence Resources
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