SACRAMENTO – California Attorney General Xavier Becerra today shared resources to help combat intimate partner violence during COVID-19. While social distancing is crucial to slowing the spread of COVID-19, the statewide stay-at-home order may pose additional challenges or dangers to people experiencing intimate partner violence, which includes physical violence, sexual violence, stalking, or psychological harm. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly one in five women and one in seven men report having experienced severe physical violence from an intimate partner. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911.

“During this crisis, we’re all working to do our part to help flatten the curve to keep our communities safe,” said Attorney General Becerra. “That means staying at home and listening to guidance provided by state and local public health officials. Unfortunately, home isn’t always a safe place – that’s why it’s crucial that we all have the tools necessary to protect ourselves and our loved ones. There’s never an excuse for violence against an intimate partner. My office is grateful to all those who continue to work to support survivors of abuse during these trying times. We may be physically apart, but nobody is alone.”

Restraining Orders:

California law offers Domestic Violence Restraining Orders and Gun Violence Restraining Orders. These orders generally prohibit people who pose an imminent, significant danger to themselves or others from possessing or purchasing firearms or ammunition. You can obtain a protective order to protect yourself or your family by calling your local law enforcement agency or by submitting forms to a court. Your county’s court^[1] may have additional information on procedures in your area during the statewide stay-at-home order. In light of COVID-19, the California Judicial Council issued temporary emergency rules^[2] on April 6, 2020, including an extension of the time frames for specified temporary restraining orders. Information on current guidance for protective orders is available below and from the California Courts: