If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911.
Each day, three people are killed in America in domestic violence incidents.
Men, women, children, elders and pets can all be victims of domestic violence.
California law describes domestic violence as any abuse committed
against an adult or a minor who is a spouse, former spouse, cohabitant,
former cohabitant, or person with whom the suspect has had a child or is
having or has had a dating or engagement relationship.
"Cohabitant" means two unrelated adult persons living together for a
substantial period of time, resulting in some permanency of
relationship. Here are some signs of an abusive relationship that
may result in domestic violence:
Your partner exhibits extreme jealousy
You are overly concerned about what kind of mood your partner is
in
Your partner prevents you from seeing your friends or family, or
alienates them so that they are uncomfortable being around
Your partner threatens to hurt or kill you, your children, your
family, friends or pets
Your partner yells at you, reprimands you, or demeans you in
public
Your partner hits, slaps, pushes or shoves you, pulls your hair,
or inflicts physical injury on you in any way
Your partner prevents you from getting or keeping a job
Your partner keeps you from leaving the house or locks you out
of the house.
There’s no reason to accept or tolerate this behavior from a spouse
or domestic partner. If you need help, here's what you can do:
Contact the San Diego Sheriff’s Department at (858) 565-5200.
Call the San Diego County Domestic Violence 24-hour hotline
1-888-DVLINKS (385-4657) for emergency assistance or ongoing needs.
Get medical attention from your doctor or hospital emergency
room. Ask the staff to photograph your injuries and keep detailed
records in case you decide to take legal action.
