Help leaving domestic violence in California
We've found 10 places in California for people leaving an abuser, mostly in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Sacramento, and 5 that serve the whole state. Our volunteers haven't confirmed these yet, so a quick call ahead is worth it. Most of them help with shelter & housing (6), safety & protection (4) and mental health & counseling (4).
What's different in California
$29 per copy, or free for people who are homeless, with an affidavit signed by a homeless services provider.
Police can request an emergency protective order from an on-call judge; it usually lasts 5 to 7 days. To go further, file form DV-100 at no cost. A long-term order after the hearing can last up to 5 years.
Safe at Home, run by the Secretary of State, covers survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking and elder or dependent adult abuse, among others. Enroll through an enrolling agency. Phone: 1-877-322-5227.
From our guides, where every fact links to its official source.
Places in California
California Partnership to End Domestic Violence
Statewide coalition that maintains a county-by-county map of California domestic violence programs with their local hotline numbers. It does not provide direct services; use the map or call the National DV Hotline at 800-799-7233 to reach a local program.
Downtown Women's Center
Day center for women and survivors of violence on Skid Row with daily meals, showers, mail, case management, mental health care, a women's health clinic, and permanent supportive housing. No formal intake is needed to visit.
Los Angeles County Domestic Violence Hotline
County-run 24-hour line that connects people facing domestic violence with emergency shelter and support services anywhere in Los Angeles County. Calls are private.
Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles
Free civil legal help for low-income Los Angeles County residents, including record clearing, eviction defense, domestic violence and family law, immigration, and public benefits. Call the intake line weekday mornings or apply online.
La Casa de las Madres
San Francisco domestic violence agency with 24-hour adult and teen crisis lines, a text support line, emergency shelter, drop-in peer counseling, and permanent supportive housing services.
WEAVE 24-Hour Support Line
Sacramento County's main crisis provider for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and sex trafficking, offering a 24-hour support line, safe shelter, safety planning, free group counseling, and legal services. No proof of address or police report is required.
CDPH Vital Records
State office that issues certified copies of California birth certificates by mail. There is no public counter; orders are mailed through USPS and are not refundable once accepted.
California ID Card
Start the ID card application online, then visit a DMV office with your Social Security number and identity document. People experiencing homelessness and those fleeing domestic violence can get a no-fee ID; people on public assistance may qualify for a reduced-fee ID with form DL 937.
CalFresh
California's SNAP food benefits program, applied for through your county's online application, by phone, or at a county social services office. Application forms are available in 16 languages.
211 California
Network of county 211 call centers covering housing, food, utility help, health care, and mental health referrals across California. Use the Find Your 211 page to reach the center for your county, which can be called or texted.
National lines that work in California
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for any mental health or substance use crisis. Available to anyone in any program.
Lifeline free phone program
Free or discounted phone and service for people on Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or low income. Apply online or through a carrier.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
24/7 confidential help for anyone affected by domestic violence. Advocates connect you to local shelters and legal help.