DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RESOURCES DURING SHELTER-IN-PLACE
Published on May 15, 2020
As the COVID-19 pandemic rolls through May, many Alameda residents find themselves facing a wide variety of challenges. For those living with domestic violence, those challenges extend beyond employment and rent. Though Bay Area counties are beginning to relax their shelter-in-place restrictions, some Alameda residents may still find themselves stuck at home with an abuser.
During the COVID-19 pandemic and Bay Area’s shelter-in-place order, domestic violence can take many forms: an abuser may withhold or threaten to withhold hygiene items like soap or disinfectants, may share misinformation to control or frighten their partner, or may be physically or verbally abusive to their partner. For survivors of domestic violence, resources remain available during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The California Department of Public Health defines “domestic violence” as “a spectrum and often a pattern of behaviors that include physical, sexual, verbal, emotional, and psychological abuse and/or economic control used by adults or adolescents against their current or former intimate partners.” (Domestic Violence/Intimate Partner Violence, California Dept of Public Health).
For those Alameda County residents living with domestic violence, residents may leave their homes “to avoid domestic violence or child abuse.” (March 31, 2020 Alameda County Order ¶ 13(i)(ix)). Domestic violence shelters, crisis intervention, or other support services are also exempted from shelter-in-place orders and remain open to assist those at risk. (March 31, 2020 Alameda County Order ¶ 13(f)(iv); Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers at 11 (Mar. 22, 2020))
Depending on an individual’s situation, a temporary restraining order may be sought. Temporary restraining orders, or “TROs,” are court orders prohibiting individuals from contacting or abusing the victim. A victim may still apply for a TRO even during the COVID-19 pandemic and shelter-in-place orders. Though courts have reduced its operations during the declared state of emergency, the courts still maintain a procedure for processing requests for temporary restraining orders.
“[T]he Court will continue to accept requests for Temporary Restraining Orders (TROs) and applications for emergency relief in Family Law and Probate matters, via drop box only, at the following locations: Rene C. Davidson Courthouse in Oakland: TROs and emergency Probate applications; Hayward Hall of Justice: TROs and emergency Family Law applications.” (More Info)
Individuals seeking to obtain a temporary restraining order should contact the Alameda County Family Justice Center. The Alameda County Family Justice Center provides services and support to individuals and families who have experienced domestic violence and child/elder abuse. The ACFJC can assist individuals with seeking restraining orders, case management, safety planning, shelter/housing assistance, and Medi-Cal and CalFRESH application assistance. For more information about the Alameda County Family Justice Center, please call 510-267-8800.
The Alameda City Attorney Office’s Prosecution Unit represents the People of the State of California in misdemeanor criminal matters referred by law enforcement agencies, such as the Alameda Police Department or Code Enforcement Division. City Prosecutors are further charged with bringing affirmative litigation, in coordination with the District Attorney’s Office, in response to violations of consumer protection and fair housing laws, and protecting consumers against fraud and unfair business practices. If you have additional questions, please contact the City Attorney’s Office’s Prosecution Unit at 510-747-4772, or email to cityprosecutor@alamedacityattorney.org.
by Wes Cheung – Deputy City Prosecutor; Kristina Swafford – Paralegal, Prosecution Unit of the Alameda City Attorney’s office