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Providing Protection & Legal Advocacy for Victims of Domestic Violence

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Understanding Domestic Violence in California

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Domestic violence includes any form of abuse or threats against a:

  • Spouse or ex-spouse
  • Domestic partner
  • Dating partner
  • Parent of your child
  • Family member (parent, sibling, child, grandparent)
  • Co-habitant (someone you live with)

Abuse can take many forms, including:

  • Physical abuse – Hitting, pushing, choking, or any form of bodily harm
  • Emotional or psychological abuse – Intimidation, manipulation, threats, or verbal harassment
  • Sexual abuse – Unwanted sexual contact or coercion
  • Financial abuse – Controlling money, withholding financial resources, or preventing employment
  • Stalking and harassment – Cyberstalking, repeated calls or messages, and showing up uninvited

If you are in danger, call 911 for immediate help and then seek legal protection.

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Filing a Restraining Order in California

A restraining order (also called a protective order) is a court order that legally prevents an abuser from contacting or coming near you.

Types of Restraining Orders

  • Emergency Protective Order (EPO) – Issued by law enforcement and lasts up to 7 days (for immediate protection).
  • Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) – Issued by the court and lasts 2-3 weeks until a formal hearing.
  • Permanent Restraining Order – Can last up to 5 years and be renewed if necessary.

Restraining orders can:

  • Prohibit the abuser from contacting, harassing, or approaching you
  • Require the abuser to move out of your shared home
  • Grant temporary child custody to the victim
  • Order child support or spousal support payments
  • Require the abuser to surrender firearms
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

About Domestic Violence & Restraining Orders

How long does it take to get a restraining order?

What happens if the abuser contacts me after a restraining order is issued?

Can a restraining order affect child custody?

Yes. A restraining order will limit custody rights of the abuser to protect the child’s safety.

What if I’m falsely accused of domestic violence?

How Our Firm Can Help

At The Law Office of Luna Stevenson, we understand that domestic violence cases require urgent and effective legal action. We are dedicated to:

  • Protecting victims through legal representation and restraining orders
  • Fighting for child custody and financial security in domestic violence cases
  • Defending the falsely accused against unfair allegations
  • Providing bilingual legal support (Mandarin & English) for clear communication