Domestic Violence – COVID-19 Issues
Last updated December 31, 2020
If you are in immediate danger, call 9-1-1
Below are selected websites from reliable sources, vetted by our Law Librarians. This is not an exhaustive list of information available on this topic, but a starting point to provide you with basic information during this pandemic.
Hotlines
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
YWCA of San Diego 24 hour hotline: (619) 234-3164
San Diego County Domestic Violence hotline: (888) 385-4657)
Center for Community Solutions hotline: (888) 385-4657
Legal Services
The San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program is is assisting clients over the phone, instead of in person, with restraining orders for Domestic Violence, Elder Abuse, and Civil Harassment.
Central, North, and South County residents:
Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
English: (619) 235-5656, Ext. 118
Spanish: (619) 235-5656, Ext. 102
East County Residents:
Monday and Tuesday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
English and Spanish: (619) 235-5656, Ext. 122
Legal Aid Society of San Diego is providing assistance over the phone. Please call (619) 738-9844
Check their website for sample forms:https://www.lassd.org/content/restraining-order-clinics
Center for Community Solutions: https://www.ccssd.org
San Diego Superior Court information on emergency services available during COVID-19 court closure. An ex party request for Restraining Orders is considered an emergency service.
Resources Available
The San Diego County District Attorney’s Office has created a list of resources . See also an educational page explaining domestic violence and help available.
San Diego Domestic Violence Council has put together a list of county resources available for domestic violence victims during COVID-19 shelter-in-place /social distancing mandates.
California Court Self-Help Center has a section on Domestic Violence.
San Diego Sheriffs Department has a Domestic Violence resources page.
City of San Diego Police Department has a Domestic Violence resources page.
YWCA of San Diego provides services and programs for victims of domestic violence.
The National Legal Aid & Defender Association (NLADA) has prepared a resource guide covering COVID-19 Updates and Resources. See section on Domestic Violence, Family Issues, and Children.
Short video on protection during COVID-19 provided by the California Lawyers Association:
Here is the same video in Spanish: