Your safety right now
If you are still in the same home as the person you are afraid of, or if you feel you are being watched, trust your instincts. You know your situation better than anyone.
Get to a safe location
If you are in immediate danger, leave if you can. Go to a neighbor, a family member, a public place, or a domestic violence shelter. Take your children with you.
Call 911 if you are in danger right now
Law enforcement can respond immediately and, in many cases, issue an Emergency Protective Order (EPO) on the spot — which goes into effect that night and lasts up to 7 days, giving you time to file with the court.
Reach out for support
The hotline number at the top of this page is available 24/7. They can help you make a safety plan, find local shelters, and talk through your options — all confidentially, at no cost.
Document everything you can safely document
Dates, times, what happened, any witnesses, photos of injuries or damage, texts or voicemails. Keep records somewhere the other person cannot access — email them to yourself or a trusted person.
Filing for a DVRO
A Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO) is a court order that can require the other person to stay away from you, your home, your children's school, and your workplace. You can request one the same day you go to the courthouse — without the other person present.
The DVRO process involves specific forms, timelines, and steps that vary by situation. Rather than walk you through it here and risk a step being missed, we're directing you to the people and resources best equipped to guide you through it safely and completely.
Your county courthouse self-help center has staff who can assist you with DVRO forms at no cost. You do not need an appointment. Tell the clerk you need help with a DVRO and they will direct you to the right window.
California Courts also provides a complete, official step-by-step guide with all required forms at courts.ca.gov.
Free help and support
You do not have to figure this out alone. These organizations provide free, confidential help.
National DV Hotline
24/7 support, safety planning, and local shelter referrals. Call or text anytime.
1-800-799-7233Text START to 88788
California Courts DVRO Self-Help
Official step-by-step guide to filing a DVRO in California, with all required forms.
courts.ca.gov ↗California Legal Aid
Free legal help for domestic violence survivors, including assistance filing DVRO paperwork.
lawhelpcalifornia.org ↗WomensLaw.org
Plain-language legal information for domestic violence survivors, including what to expect in court and how to stay safe.
womenslaw.org ↗