Intimate Partner and Domestic Violence
Intimate Partner Violence is a term for any relationship violence or abuse that occurs when one intimate partner exerts power and control over their partner. It can include domestic violence, sexual assault and abuse, stalking, and teen dating violence.
24/7 LA County Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 978-3600. Get support, shelter, and other services.
The Los Angeles County Office of Women’s Health offers resources for gender based violence and oversees a domestic violence shelter and supportive services contracts.
Los Angeles County Domestic Violence Council provides leadership in the creation and support of a victim/survivor-centered, coordinated countywide approach to addressing intimate partner violence.
Domestic Violence Restraining Orders
There are many ways for intimate partner and domestic violence survivors to seek support. One way is with a Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO). A DVRO is a protective tool that can be used by victims or survivors of domestic violence, intimate partner violence, family violence, and dating relationship violence.
For more detailed information about Domestic Violence Restraining Orders, please download OVP's DVRO Rights Packet and DVRO Poster:
| Rights Packet - English | Rights Packet - Español |
| Poster - English | Poster - Español |
What is a DVRO?
A Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO) is a court order designed to protect a victim and their children from harm or harassment by ordering that the restrained person not contact the protected parties and stay away from the victim’s home, workplace, or school, among other orders.
Who can get a DVRO?
- Married or Former Spouse
- Past or Present Dating Relationship
- Family Members to “the second degree” (by blood, marriage or adoption): grandparents, parents, children, grandchildren and siblings
- Registered Domestic Partner or Former Registered Domestic Partner
- Cohabitant or Former Cohabitant (Not Merely a Roommate)
- Parties With Children in Common
What can a DVRO do?
A DVRO can include protections such as:
- No contact
- Not harass, stalk, threaten or harm people protected by the order
- Stay away by a certain distance
- Move out from a home that is shared with the protected person
- Not have guns, firearms, ammunition, or body armor
- Pay spousal support, if you are married
- Pay child support, if you have children together
- Pet custody
- Attend batterer’s treatment program
- Cover attorney fees
What are the steps to getting a DVRO?
- Step 1: Determine the correct courthouse for you
- Step 2: Get the “Request for Domestic Violence Restraining Order” application and complete the forms
- Step 3: Submit the completed forms
- Step 4: Judge reviews your documents
- Step 5: Pick up completed forms, mark your calendar with the hearing date
- Step 6: Attend hearing
- Step 7: File the DVRO
- Step 8: Distribute copies of DVRO
How to collect evidence for a DVRO
If it is safe to do so, you can gather evidence before you file, but you can also begin to collect evidence after filing. Keep a record of each incident, take photos of injuries and property damage (note who took them and what time), and store all evidence in a secure location. For more information on collecting evidence, visit WomensLaw.org.
Who can help me get a DVRO?
There are people who want to help and support you! Below are some organizations that can help.
- Self Help
- Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles
- Los Angeles County Bar Association: In-person services offered by appointment only at Central Division-Family Justice Center. Call 213-624-3665 or email: dvp@lacba.org
- Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County
- Survivor Justice Center
- Harriett Buhai Center for Family Law
- Community Legal Aid SoCal
- LGBTQ Center Long Beach - Legal Services Intake line: 562-433-8595
- Break the Cycle. For victims ages 12-24. Call or text 424-209-2532
- Community Legal Aid SoCal: Call 800-834-5001
- Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles: Call 800-399-4529x8097 or fill out an online intake.
- Strength United: 818-886-0453 or 661-253-0258
- Center for the Pacific Asian Family: 800-339-3940
- Peace Over Violence: 310-281-2822, 213-626-3393
- Sojourn: 310-264-6644
- East L.A. Women’s Center: 800-585-6231
- Haven Hills: 818-887-6589
- Jenesse Center: 800-479-7328
- Rainbow Services: 310- 547-9343
- Su Casa: 562-402-4888
- Coalition to Abolish Slavery & Trafficking: 888-539-2373
What to expect when you reach out to a hotline
- Answer some basic questions about who you are and what you are going through
- Get connected to a trained counselor who will listen to you without judgement
- All of your messages are anonymous, and you can share as much or as little as you like
- Receive individual support. You can hang up or end the chat at any point.
- If there is a wait, try a calming exercise to help you breathe and focus.
Be proud of yourself! Asking for help is courageous and powerful.
Reports
2010 Los Angeles County Domestic Violence Data Sources
Click here to access the 2010 Domestic Violence Data Sources. 
2006-2010 Los Angeles County Intimate Partner Violence Prevention Strategic Plan
Click here to access the 2010 Domestic Violence Data Sources.
Stalking Awareness Month Report
Click here to access January is Stalking Awareness Month report
2013 Quick Facts about Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)
Click here to access 2013 Quick Facts about Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)