{"id":371773,"date":"2016-03-31T21:34:27","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:34:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/california-law\/california-domestic-violence-law.html"},"modified":"2024-12-18T13:10:44","modified_gmt":"2024-12-18T18:10:44","slug":"california-domestic-violence-law","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/california-law\/california-domestic-violence-law.html","title":{"rendered":"California Domestic Violence Law"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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California Domestic Violence Law<\/h1>\n
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\n By Kit Yona, M.A.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Some of the worst crimes can occur between people who are supposed to love and trust each other. Domestic violence crimes<\/a> are abusive acts committed between people sharing close relationships. These offenses can destroy families and ruin lives, some beyond repair. California has domestic violence laws to protect victims and break the cycle of abuse.<\/p>\r\n

Knowing the protections and penalties involved with domestic violence crimes can help victims escape a life of abuse. This article explains California’s definition of domestic violence<\/a>, discusses available programs and support for victims, and outlines the penalties involved with offenses and violations. Read on to learn what you need to know about domestic violence in California.<\/p>\r\n

Understanding Domestic Violence Law in California<\/h2>\r\n

The simplest legal definition of domestic violence in California is that it consists of certain abusive acts<\/a> committed between people sharing qualifying personal relationships<\/a>. That’s a little bit vague, so let’s break down each facet for a better understanding.<\/p>\r\n

Who is protected by domestic violence laws?<\/h3>\r\n

Part of what makes domestic violence crimes so heinous is the close personal relationships between those involved. Strangers can’t commit domestic violence. As the name suggests, it takes place in or close to home and can involve family members. The people and relationships involved in domestic abuse crimes<\/a> are:<\/p>\r\n