1. Victim and Witness Rights
- California Attorney General – Victim Services
Provides an overview of victim rights, compensation resources, and services available through the state justice system. - California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB)
Offers financial assistance to victims of violent crime for medical bills, relocation, counseling, and more.
2. Free and Low-Cost Legal Aid Programs
- LawHelpCA.org
Centralized directory of free legal aid organizations and tools for filing restraining orders, defamation claims, and abuse-related cases. - Bay Area Legal Aid
Provides free legal representation for low-income individuals, especially in domestic violence, harassment, and stalking situations.
3. Relevant Laws
- Stalking: Cal. Penal Code § 646.9
What it means: Repeated following or harassment that causes a person to fear for their safety or the safety of others. May include physical or digital surveillance or threats. - Harassment: Defined under civil and criminal laws (e.g., Cal. Penal Code § 422 for threats)
What it means: Harassment includes threats, abuse, or unwanted communication—whether verbal, physical, or electronic. Workplace and civil harassment laws also apply. - Bullying: No adult criminal statute. Governed by California Education Code § 48900 and local school district policies.
What it means: School bullying, including cyberbullying, is addressed in education law and school codes. Students may face suspension or other disciplinary action. - Defamation: Civil tort, not criminal. Governed by California Civil Code and case law.
What it means: Individuals can file civil lawsuits for libel (written) or slander (spoken) if reputational harm can be proven. Includes defamation via social media and digital content.
4. Reporting and Hotlines
- Dial 911 for emergencies or immediate threats.
- Non-emergency complaints can be filed with local police departments or campus/school resource officers.
- California Partnership to End Domestic Violence (CPEDV)
Statewide network of support organizations for shelter, advocacy, and legal help. - Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-524-7733
Offers confidential support and referrals throughout California.
5. Support Organizations
- California Partnership to End Domestic Violence
Advocacy group offering legal, shelter, and educational services to victims and survivors. - Women’s Center – Youth & Family Services (Stockton)
Offers legal advocacy, youth protection services, and emergency shelter options in the Central Valley region.
6. Civil Remedies and Protection Orders
California allows victims to seek Civil Harassment Restraining Orders, Domestic Violence Restraining Orders, or Workplace Violence Restraining Orders depending on the circumstances. Legal aid and self-help centers can help determine the appropriate filing and complete court forms.
Important Note on Jurisdiction: If the individual you are seeking a restraining order against lives in a different state, your local court may not have jurisdiction to enforce that order. In most cases, you must file for protection in the state where that individual resides or where the conduct occurred. This applies even in situations involving online harassment, defamation, or stalking. Contact legal aid services in both your state and the other person’s state for guidance.
7. Youth and School Resources
- California Department of Education – Bullying Prevention
Provides resources, legal policies, and complaint forms for addressing school bullying and cyberbullying.
8. Court Forms and Filing Help
- California Courts Self-Help – Abuse & Harassment
Access restraining order forms, e-filing tools, and how-to guides for abuse and harassment situations.
9. Online Safety and Privacy Tools
- NNEDV Tech Safety Toolkit
Offers best practices for protecting online accounts, dealing with cyberstalking, and removing harmful digital content.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
