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California Domestic Violence Prevention Act |
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 The Domestic Violence Prevention Act (DVPA) defines domestic violence as threatened or actual abuse from someone with whom you have had a close relationship. The Act is designed to protect you or your children under the age of 18 who live with you from actual or threatened violence, such as:
- Physical injuries
- Sexual assault
- Attacking, striking, or battering
- Molesting
- Harassing
- Stalking
- Threatening or harassing telephone calls
- Destroying personal property
- Disturbing your peace
- Threatening to do any of the above
Under the DVPA, abuse can be physical, sexual, or verbal. It can include spoken and written abuse. To read the exact wording of the law, see the WomensLaw.org website's California Legal Statutes page. If you are not eligible for a Domestic Violence Restraining Order, you may be eligible for a Civil Harassment Order. A person who has been harassed by someone with whom they have not had a relationship (such as an acquaintance, co-worker, neighbor, or stranger) may ask the court for a "Civil Harassment Order" restraining order prohibiting further abuse and harassment. This means that a judge can order that person to stop harassing you and to stay away from you. For more information, click here.
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