Even if you do not qualify for a domestic violence restraining order (DVRO) or a civil harassment order in California, the abuser may have committed a crime. If you call the police, they may arrest him/her for a crime and you may get a restraining order through the criminal court. Remember that even if you do have a DVRO or a civil harassment order, you can still report him/her to the police if you believe s/he committed a crime against you.

If the abuser has misused technology in a way that you believe may be a crime, go to our Abuse Using Technology section to learn what types of behaviors are covered under criminal state laws.

What are some crimes that the abuser may have committed in California?
If I am the victim of a crime, where can I get additional help in California?

What are some crimes that the abuser may have committed in California?

Here are a list of some possible crimes in California that the abuser may have committed. You can click on the links to read the legal definition of the crime in our State Statutes page:

• Assault
• Battery
• Disorderly conduct (includes distributing intimate images)
• Eavesdropping on or recording confidential communications
• Kidnapping
• False imprisonment
• Rape
• Sexual battery
• Spousal rape
• Rape or penetration by a foreign object
• Violation of a court order to prevent harassment, disturbing the peace, or threats/acts of violence
• Deprivation of custody of child or right to visitation
• Stalking
• Stalking by telephone or electronic communication
• Identity theft
• Extortion.

If I am the victim of a crime, where can I get additional help in California?

The California Office of the Attorney General provides a Victims' Services Unit, which offers victims and their families support and information. You can also call them at (877) 433-9069.

The California Courts website provides information and resources for victims of crimes, including forms and instructions for obtaining victim compensation.

You may learn more about crimes by calling your local police department, sheriff's department, or district attorney's office. See our CA Sheriff Departments page for the contact information for your local sheriff's department.

If you are a victim of domestic violence and have been charged with a crime, you can go to our Battered Women Charged with Crimes page.

Other organizations for victims of crime are listed on our National Organizations - Crime Victims page.

If the abuser has misused technology in a way that you believe may be a crime, go to our Abuse Using Technology section to learn what types of behaviors are covered under criminal state laws.