DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Prepared by Susan G. Millmann, Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles
Thanks to Michelle Saling, Levitt & Quinn and Patricia Andreani, Los Angeles County Bar Assoc.
WHAT IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE?
The Size of the Problem
The Power and Control Wheel
The Cycle of Violence
INFORMATION ABOUT APPLYING FOR RESTRAINING ORDERS
What is a restraining order?
Where Can You Get Help?
Court Based Restraining Order Clinics: locations, hours
KINDS OF COURT PROCEEDINGS: AN OVERVIEW
Criminal Court
Dependency Court
Family Law Court
KINDS OF FAMILY LAW PROCEEDINGS: AN OVERVIEW
Petition under Domestic Violence Prevention Act (DVPA)
Advantages
Disadvantages
Petition for Dissolution/Nullity of Marriage/Legal Separation
Petition to Establish the Parental Relationship
EMERGENCY SERVICES REFERRALS AND LEGAL REFERRALS
Emergency Services Referrals
Low Cost or Free Legal Services Referrals
PRACTICAL STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO PROMOTE YOUR SAFETY
If you are living with your abuser or are in an abusive relationship
If you have left the relationship
LEGAL STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO PROMOTE YOUR SAFETY
Call 911
Emergency Protective Orders (EPOs)
Obtain Restraining Orders
OVERVIEW OF HOW TO GET RESTRAINING ORDERS UNDER THE DVPA
Overview of Procedures
Who Can Use the DVPA/Qualifying Conditions?
Specific Relationship
Recent Incident of Violence
No other family law action pending
Where Do You File Your Application for Restraining Orders?
What If You Can’t Get to Court?
The Forms You Must File
Your Statement Supporting your Application for Restraining Orders
Important Things to Think about
Preparing for the OSC (21-Day) Hearing
Going to the OSC (21-Day) Hearing
WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE SERVED WITH A RESTRAINING ORDER
FEAR OF DEPORTATION AND YOUR RIGHT TO SELF-PETITION
SAMPLE FORMS