Domestic violence can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, background, or income. For individuals and families experiencing abuse, knowing where to find support and understanding available legal protections can make an important difference. If you are looking for domestic violence resources in Contra Costa County, Walnut Creek, the San Francisco Bay Area, or California, several organizations offer confidential assistance, safety planning, legal advocacy, and emergency support.
ºOctober is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, but access to these resources is important throughout the year. This guide explains where to find local domestic violence support, how California domestic violence restraining orders work, and how Mendes Law, PC assists individuals navigating related family law matters.
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. For confidential support, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text START to 88788.
What Is Considered Domestic Violence in California?
Under California law, domestic violence is not limited to physical violence. Abuse may also include threats, stalking, harassment, coercive control, and conduct that disturbs another person’s peace.
Domestic violence may involve:
- Physical abuse: Hitting, pushing, choking, or other physical harm.
- Emotional or psychological abuse: Threats, intimidation, harassment, and controlling behavior.
- Financial abuse: Restricting access to money, employment, or essential financial resources.
- Stalking: Repeated unwanted contact, monitoring, or threatening behavior.
- Coercive control: Patterns of behavior that interfere with another person’s freedom and personal autonomy.
- Sexual abuse: Unwanted sexual contact or coercion.
Domestic violence can occur between spouses, former spouses, dating partners, co-parents, and certain family or household members.
Importantly, physical injury is not always required to seek protection under California’s Domestic Violence Prevention Act.
Domestic Violence Resources in Contra Costa County
Individuals living in Walnut Creek, Concord, Pleasant Hill, Martinez, Richmond, Antioch, Danville, San Ramon, and surrounding communities can access several local organizations.
1. STAND! For Families Free of Violence
24-Hour Crisis Hotline: 888-215-5555
Website: STAND! For Families Free of Violence
STAND! is a Contra Costa County nonprofit organization that provides services to individuals and families affected by domestic violence. Available programs include crisis intervention, safety planning, counseling, support groups, legal advocacy, and assistance with domestic violence restraining order paperwork. STAND! also offers a domestic violence restraining order clinic by appointment.
2. Contra Costa Family Justice Centers
Website: Contra Costa Family Justice Center
The Contra Costa Family Justice Centers connect survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and other forms of interpersonal violence with community-based support. Services may include safety planning, advocacy, counseling referrals, legal assistance referrals, and connections to other resources. Family Justice Centers serve residents through locations in Concord, Richmond, and Antioch.
3. Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office
Website: Contra Costa County Domestic Violence Unit
The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office prosecutes domestic violence cases and provides information about victim services. Individuals may find resources related to criminal proceedings, victim assistance, and referrals to community organizations. The District Attorney’s Office handles criminal matters, while civil domestic violence restraining orders are requested through the Superior Court.
Domestic Violence Resources Throughout the Bay Area
Additional organizations provide support to survivors in Alameda County, San Francisco, and surrounding Bay Area communities.
4. Safe Alternatives to Violent Environments (SAVE)
Website: SAVE
Based in Fremont, SAVE supports individuals affected by intimate partner violence. Services include crisis intervention, safety planning, shelter-related assistance, advocacy, and support with navigating restraining order procedures.
5. Bay Area Legal Aid
Website: Bay Area Legal Aid
Bay Area Legal Aid provides free civil legal assistance to eligible low-income individuals throughout the Bay Area. Depending on eligibility and available programs, assistance may include domestic violence-related legal issues, family law, housing, and other matters affecting safety and stability.
6. Family Violence Law Center
Website: Family Violence Law Center
Family Violence Law Center supports survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, particularly in Alameda County. Its services include legal assistance, advocacy, and referrals to community resources. Individuals should contact the organization to confirm available services and eligibility.
California and National Domestic Violence Resources
7. National Domestic Violence Hotline
Call: 800-799-7233
Text: START to 88788
Website: National Domestic Violence Hotline
The National Domestic Violence Hotline offers confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Advocates can assist with safety planning, identifying local resources, understanding options, and connecting individuals with additional support.
8. California Partnership to End Domestic Violence
Website: California Partnership to End Domestic Violence
The California Partnership to End Domestic Violence is a statewide coalition of domestic violence organizations. Its website provides information about domestic violence prevention and connections to survivor-support organizations throughout California.
9. California Safe at Home Program
Website: California Safe at Home
California’s Safe at Home program provides an address confidentiality program for eligible individuals, including survivors of domestic violence, stalking, and sexual assault. The program offers a substitute mailing address and certain confidentiality protections to help participants reduce the risk of their residential address being disclosed.
How to Get a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in California
A Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO) is a court order designed to protect individuals from abuse involving certain qualifying personal or family relationships.
Depending on the circumstances, a DVRO may:
- Prohibit contact, harassment, stalking, or threats.
- Require an individual to stay away from a home, workplace, or school.
- Order someone to move out of a shared residence.
- Include protection for children or other eligible household members.
- Establish temporary child custody or visitation arrangements.
- Address certain financial support matters.
- Restrict possession of firearms and ammunition.
Steps to Request a Domestic Violence Restraining Order
Step 1: Complete the required court forms.
Individuals generally begin by completing Form DV-100, Request for Domestic Violence Restraining Order, along with other required documents.
Step 2: File the request with the appropriate court.
The court reviews the application and determines whether temporary protection should be granted.
Step 3: Arrange proper service.
The person against whom protection is requested must generally be served with the required court documents by an authorized person.
Step 4: Attend the court hearing.
The judge reviews the evidence and testimony to determine whether a longer-term restraining order is appropriate. There is no court filing fee to request a domestic violence restraining order in California, and an attorney is not required. However, legal representation may be particularly helpful when restraining order proceedings overlap with divorce, child custody, or contested allegations.
For more information, visit the California Courts Domestic Violence Restraining Order Guide.
You can also read Mendes Law’s related articles:
- How to Get a Restraining Order in California
- Domestic Violence Restraining Orders and Emergency Protective Orders: Procedures, Preparation, Possibilities
Where to File a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in Contra Costa County
The Contra Costa County Superior Court handles domestic violence restraining order requests. The primary family law filing location is:
Spinetta Family Law Center
751 Pine Street
Martinez, CA 94553
Eligible residents of certain West Contra Costa County communities may file at the Richmond courthouse, while qualifying East County residents may file at the Pittsburg courthouse. These exceptions generally apply when the parties are not married, have no children together, and meet the court’s other filing requirements. The court also provides electronic filing options.
For current filing instructions, visit the Contra Costa Superior Court Restraining Orders page.
How Mendes Law, PC Can Help With Domestic Violence-Related Legal Matters
Domestic violence can create complex legal issues, particularly when a relationship involves children, shared finances, or an existing marriage. At Mendes Law, PC, our Walnut Creek family law firm provides personalized legal representation to individuals and families throughout Contra Costa County and the greater San Francisco Bay Area.
Our firm helps clients understand their rights, evaluate their legal options, and navigate sensitive family law proceedings.
Domestic Violence Restraining Orders
Mendes Law, PC represents clients seeking or responding to domestic violence restraining orders. Our services include guidance with court filings, preparation for hearings, evidence considerations, and related legal proceedings.
Learn more about our Restraining Order Legal Services.
Divorce and Legal Separation
When domestic violence is involved in a marriage, divorce or separation may raise additional concerns about personal safety, financial stability, and family arrangements. Our firm helps clients navigate these legal issues while considering their circumstances and long-term interests.
Learn more about our Divorce and Family Law Services.
Child Custody and Visitation
Domestic violence allegations and findings can significantly affect child custody and visitation proceedings. California courts consider domestic violence when evaluating custody arrangements, and certain findings can trigger legal presumptions affecting custody decisions. Mendes Law assists clients with custody and visitation matters, including cases involving safety concerns and protective orders.
Personalized Family Law Representation
Every family’s circumstances are different. Mendes Law focuses on thoughtful guidance, clear communication, and strategic advocacy. Whether you are seeking legal protection, navigating a divorce, or addressing custody concerns, understanding your legal options can help you make informed decisions.
Schedule a consultation with Mendes Law, PC: Contact Our Walnut Creek Office.
Frequently Asked Questions About Domestic Violence in California
Can I get a restraining order without physical abuse in California?
Yes. California law recognizes certain forms of nonphysical abuse, including threats, stalking, coercive control, and behavior that disturbs another person’s peace. Eligibility depends on the circumstances and the relationship between the parties.
How much does a domestic violence restraining order cost in California?
There is no court filing fee to request a domestic violence restraining order. Individuals may represent themselves or hire an attorney.
Can domestic violence affect child custody in California?
Yes. California courts consider domestic violence in child custody proceedings. Depending on the evidence and findings, a court may impose restrictions, order supervised visitation, or establish other protective arrangements.
Where can I get domestic violence help in Walnut Creek?
Walnut Creek residents can contact STAND! For Families Free of Violence at 888-215-5555, the Contra Costa Family Justice Centers, or the Contra Costa County Superior Court for information about local services and legal procedures.
Do I need a lawyer to request a domestic violence restraining order?
No. California allows individuals to request domestic violence restraining orders without an attorney. However, legal representation may be beneficial when proceedings involve disputed allegations, child custody, divorce, or other complex issues.
How long does a domestic violence restraining order last in California?
A temporary restraining order generally lasts until the scheduled hearing. After a hearing, a judge may grant a longer-term domestic violence restraining order for up to five years. Qualifying orders may also be renewed.
Support Is Available Throughout Contra Costa County and California
Domestic violence can have lasting effects on individuals and families, but resources are available to help people understand their options and access support. Whether you live in Walnut Creek, Concord, Danville, San Ramon, Richmond, Antioch, or elsewhere in the San Francisco Bay Area, local organizations and California legal resources can provide assistance.
At Mendes Law, PC, we believe individuals and families deserve access to clear legal guidance and meaningful protection under the law. If you are navigating a domestic violence-related family law matter, our firm can help you understand your legal options and determine appropriate next steps.
Contact Mendes Law, PC
2033 N. Main Street, Suite 360
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Phone: (925) 979-5568
Schedule a Consultation
If you need immediate assistance: Call 911 if you are in danger, or contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 for confidential support.
Safety note: Internet and device activity may be monitored. If you are concerned someone may be monitoring your communications, consider using a safer device when accessing resources or contacting support organizations.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this article or contacting Mendes Law, PC does not establish an attorney-client relationship.