What is domestic violence?
- Are you afraid of your partner?
- Has your partner ever threatened or intimidated you?
- Has your partner ever physically hurt you?
- Does your partner constantly insult, humiliate or manipulate you?
- Is your partner violent?
- Is your partner controlling or obsessive?
- Does your partner isolate you by limiting or monitoring your interactions with family and friends?
- Are you in an abusive relationship?
- Is someone you know in an abusive relationship?
Domestic violence is "abuse committed against an adult or fully emancipated minor who is a spouse, former spouse, cohabitant, or person with whom the suspect has had a child or is having or has had a dating or engagement relationship." (California Penal Code, Section 13700)
Domestic Violence may include the following acts in an attempt to exercise power and authority over another person. The abuse may occur during or after a marital or dating relationship.
- Physical Abuse
- Verbal Abuse
- Abusing Trust
- Sexual Abuse
- Emotional Abuse
- Psychological Abuse
- Coercion
- Harassment
- Economic Control
- Threats and Intimidation
- Destruction of Property
- Isolation
Signs a person may be a victim of domestic violence
- Uncharacteristic changes in mood or behavior
- Decline in job performance
- Preoccupation/lack of concentration
- Increased tardiness and/or absenteeism
- Bruises or other injuries that are unexplained
- Receives harassing phone calls in the workplace
- Appears anxious, frightened, or very cautious
- Makes excuses for the above signs and symptoms that do not make sense
Domestic violence facts
Domestic violence crosses cultural, racial, ethnic, economic, gender, and political boundaries. Most victims are women. However, children, teenagers, and the elderly are also at risk. Domestic violence can occur anytime and anywhere, and can affect your workplace.
Orange County domestic violence assistance programs
These shelters provide safe housing, counseling and other services:
- Home on the Green Pastures - (714) 532-2787 (Korean Clients Only)
- Human Options Hotline - (877) 854-3594
- Interval House Hotline - (562) 594-4555 or (714) 891-8121
- Laura's House Hotline - (866) 498-1511
- Radiant Futures - (877) 531-5522
Order of Relief
- Victims of domestic violence may file a petition requesting orders for relief including:
- Restraining the abuser from attacking the victim and other family members
- Directing the abuser to leave the household
- Preventing the attacker from entering the residence, place of employment, etc. of the victim
- Restraining the abuser from interfering with minor children in the custody of the victim
- Temporary custody of minor children
For a restraining order against the offender is obtained and the offender willingly violates the order, he/she will be arrested and, in most cases, taken to jail if still present when officers arrive.
There are no fees charged for obtaining a Temporary Restraining Order under the Domestic Violence Prevention Act. The Orange County Sheriff's Department's Court Operations charges a statutory fee to serve papers on another person. The court may waive the fee for persons within certain income ranges.
For information and assistance with protective orders
Temporary Restraining Order Information Line (714) 935-7956
24-Hour Recorded Information in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.
Domestic Violence Assistance Program
Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (714) 935-7956
In an Emergency, Call 911
National Domestic Violence Hotline (800) 799-SAFE
