Resources

Domestic Violence

1. What is domestic violence?

   Domestic violence is defined as abuse perpetrated against a spouse, former spouse, co-habitant, former co-habitant, any other adult person related by consanguinity (kinship) or affinity (relationship by marriage) within the second degree, or a person with whom the respondent has had a dating or engagement relationship. IT IS A CRIME!

2. If I become a victim of domestic violence, what recourse do I have?

   You may ask the District Attorney to file a criminal complaint against the attacker. You have the right to go to the Superior Court and file petition requesting any of the following orders for relief:

   • An order restraining attacker from abusing the victim the and other family members.
   • An order directing the attacker to leave the household.
   • An order preventing the attacker from entering the residence, school, business, or place of employment of the victim.
   • An order awarding the victim or the other parent custody of or visitation with a minor child or children.
   • An order restraining the attacker from molesting or interfering with minor children in the custody of the victim.
   • An order directing the party not granted customdy to pay support of minor children, if the party has a legal obligation to do so.
   • An order directing the defendant to make specified debit payments coming due while the order is in effect.
   • An order directing that either or both in counseling.

   Temporary Restraining orders may be obtained Monday through Friday at 1:30 p.m. at the Superior Court in Santa Ana, 700 Civic Center Drive West. Victim assistance is available from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the same location. Ask at the information booth on the first floor for directions. Do not bring children. Allow 1 to 1-1/2 hours to complete forms prior to court hearing at 1:30 p.m. This can be an all day process; be prepared. If you intend to go through this process, you must give prior notice to the defendant regarding the temporary restraining order. Please call (714) 973-0134 for information on Temporary Restraining Orders.

   You also have the right to file a civil suit for losses suffered as a result of the abuse, including medical expenses, loss of earnings and other expenses for injuries sustained and damage to property, and any other related expenses incurred by you or any agency that shelters you. Contact Victims of Crime Compensation at (949) 752-7452 or Victim/Witness - Information Regarding Compensation at (949) 249-5037.

3. Where do I find information about shelters and other community services?

   The Laguna Beach Police Department has information regarding local battered women's shelters. Call (714) 497-0701 Additional information can be obtained through:

   Domestic Violence Assistance Center: Juvenile Justice Center
   341 The City Drive
   Orange, California 92668
   (714) 935-7956
   

   Crisis Counseling 24-Hour Hotline:  (714) 957-2737

   For information about other services in the community, where available, you may call 1-800-978-3600.

   Additionally, the following 24-hour hotlines times of family crisis:

   • (714) 992-1931
   • (714) 894-4242