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What is Domestic Violence?

Abusive Behaviors:
- Signs for Victims
- Signs for Aggressors

Effects of Domestic Violence on Children

Why Victims Stay

Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Victim Guide

Domestic Violence Restraining Orders

North County Family Violence Prevention Center (NCFVPC)

Personalized Safety Plan

DV Links

Services - Domestic Violence Unit

Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Victim Guide

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND YOUR RIGHTS

It is California state law that a crime or incident report is written on every domestic-violence call for assistance. You have certain rights as a victim of domestic violence. You have the right to:

A. Ask the District Attorney to file a criminal complaint

B. Go to Superior Court to file a petition requesting any of the following:

1. An order restraining the attacker from abusing you or any family member.

2. An order directing the attacker to leave the household.

3. An order preventing the attacker from entering your residence, school, business.

4. An order awarding custody and/or visitation.

5. An order restraining the attacker from molesting or interfering with the minor children in your custody.

6. An order directing your attacker to pay support.

7. An order directing your attacker to pay debts.

8. An order directing one or both parties to attend counseling.

These orders can only be changed by order of the court, not by any action or inaction on your part.

San Diego County Superior Court: http://www.sandiego.courts.ca.gov/superior/courts/dv.html

VICTIM'S INFORMATION

California provides reimbursement to victims who suffer financial loss or hardship directly attributed to physical or mental injury inflicted during, or as a result of, the commission of a crime of violence. The District Attorney’s Office coordinates this effort through their Victim/Witness Program. For information about the California Victims’ Compensation Program, you may contact 1-800-777-9229.

You may also file a civil suit for losses suffered as a result of the abuse. This may include medical expenses, loss of earnings and other expenses for injuries sustained and damage to property, and any other losses sustained by you or the agency that shelters you.

If you are a victim of domestic violence, you have the right to make a citizen’s arrest of your attacker. The deputy at the scene will assist you in making the arrest. Per law and mandate, the deputy may make an arrest of your attacker; even without your cooperation. If your attacker has violated a domestic violence protective order, you may file a report with the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction.

You have the right to have your name kept from public record in any written report or case involving sexual assault. You have the right to be notified within 15 days of the pending release of your attacker from custody after a conviction. You may also contact any of the Sheriff’s detention facilities to request notification of the pending release of your attacker. You should realize that despite official restraint of the suspect, he/she may be released from custody at any time.

SEXUAL ASSAULT

Sexual Assault by a stranger or a person known to you (including your spouse) is a crime. If you are raped or sexually assaulted, call 9-1-1 immediately to report the crime. Do not wash, shower, douche, change clothes, brush your teeth which could possibly destroy or contaminate evidence. San Diego County utilizes a S.A.R.T. (Sexual Assault Response Team) concept. The S.A.R.T. team consists of a nurse examiner that has been specially trained to provide a forensic evidentiary exam and medical support, a law enforcement officer to conduct an investigation of the crime and emergency assistance for the victim and a victim advocate to provide emotional support for the victim.

The San Diego Sheriff's Department is concerned about your safety and well being. We understand how difficult it is to make the changes you need. The violence is not your fault. Only the abuser is responsible for his or her behavior. For further information or assistance, please contact the San Diego County Sheriff's Department: Communication's Center at: (858) 565-5200.

NO ONE DESERVES TO BE ABUSED

DIAL 9-1-1 FOR REPORTING CRIMES IN PROGRESS, MEDICAL AID AND LIFE THREATENING EMERGENCIES.