THE ISSUE IS.... (1)

CVRW template poster (1)

***If you are in immediate danger, call 911. If you are in need of support and services you can call Stand Up Placer's 24-7 helpline at 1-800-575-5352.***

Domestic violence is prevalent in every community, regardless of socioeconomic status, gender, race, religion, or nationality. It can result in physical injury, psychological trauma, and even death. The devastating consequences of domestic violence can cross generations and last a lifetime. 

Domestic violence is extremely dangerous at every level.  Identifying the signs early on is critical to protect a victim and their loved ones. Domestic violence can be a life or death situation which is why California law takes it very seriously. While we understand why there is a hesitation to report - due to safety concerns, wanting to make the relationship work, financial restrictions, lack of housing, etc. - domestic violence is a crime that will continue to escalate. A terrifying statistic is the women in a domestic violence situation is 500% more likely to become a homicide victim by a gun. This is staggering.

More stats to consider:

  • 1 in 5 homicide victims are killed by an intimate partner
  • Over half of female homicide victims in the U.S. are killed by a current or former male intimate partner
  • Firearms significantly contribute to the fatality – Abusers with guns are 5x more likely to kill their victims
  • Every month an average of 70 women in the US are shot and killed by an intimate partner.
  • One in every 3 teenagers, 1 in every 4 women, and 1 in every 7 men will experience domestic violence in their lifetime
  • In the United States alone, an average of 24 people per minute are victims of domestic violence by an intimate partner

Seeking help can help break the cycle of abuse. Placer County law enforcement, social services, non-profits and more stand ready to help. You are never alone. 

Here are some quick overviews of avenues you can take:

>>>Still not convinced? Visit our virtual resource portal to learn more.<<<


Reporting Domestic Violence 

Reporting to law enforcement

  • The first step of an investigation is to make a report with your local law enforcement. 
  • They will ask you questions and details about what happened. You can always contact the police to add more information or clarify your statement later.
  • If you feel that you need support when you are making a complaint, you can ask a friend, family member, a case worker, or a lawyer to go with you to meet the police. 

"Law enforcement saved my life. While I was scared to report and move forward with the authorities, I have no doubt in my mind that working with the authorities is what saved me and my children in the long run." - DV Survivor Anabel V. 

Mandated reporting

  • Health care providers are required to make a report if they provide medical services to a patient whom they suspect is suffering from a physical injury due to a firearm or assaultive or abusive conduct.
  • This is not meant to penalize individuals who choose to get medical help, but rather provide a layer of protection. If you are injured to the point of needing medical attention, intervention is necessary for you and your loved one's safety. Mandated reporting provides you with a layer of deniability as the reporting is out of your hands. Remember, this is not YOUR fault, this fault lies solely on the abuser.

Detaining your abuser

  • With clear and convincing evidence, your abuser can be arrested and detained. 
  • There will be a bail hearing shortly after the arrest - you can make a statement at that bail hearing. 

Holding your abuser accountable

  •  The Placer County District Attorney's Office has a dedicated Domestic Violence Unit that works to hold abusers accountable, find victims justice, help survivors reclaim their voice and find legal options to help keep them safe moving forward. Learn more
  • The Deputy District Attorneys in this unit work closely with the District Attorney's Office's Victim Advocates to walk with victims every step of the way during the legal process. Learn more

***It is important to note that in California, only the state can bring charges against a person for domestic violence. The victim does not decide whether to go ahead and charge someone with a crime.The law requires prosecutors to move forward if they think the abuser will be a continued danger to the victim and community at large, regardless if the victim wants to proceed. Asking to press charges does not exist in DV situations. The law dictates that a prosecutor must proceed.*** 

Receiving a domestic violence restraining order 
A domestic violence restraining order can be granted against someone who has abused you or your children.  A judge can grant a restraining order to protect  someone, their children, their property, or their pets. Once a judge grants a restraining order, the police can be called to enforce the order. This is a civil proceeding, so this process is outside the criminal justice process. 

A domestic violence restraining order can include these types of orders:

  • No contact
  • Not harass, stalk, threaten or harm people protected by the order
  • Stay away by a certain distance
  • Move out from a home that is shared with the protected person
  • Not have guns, firearms, or ammunition
  • Pay spousal support, if you are married
  • Pay child support, if you have children together

How do I ask for a domestic violence restraining order?

You will need to complete a few court forms. The forms will ask you to give details about the abuse. If you want help with these forms, you can contact your local Self-Help Center. Learn more at the California Courts website 

Community resources available for domestic violence

Stand up Placer 
Stand Up Placer is available for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking in crisis situations. 

You can call their 24-Hour Helpline (800-575-5352) at any time for any of the following reasons:

  • If you are not in physical danger and you need to talk to someone, make sure you are safe and call or use the Chat With an Advocate feature in the header
  • Access to emergency safe house for domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking survivors and their children
  • Walk-in crisis intervention at the Roseville and Auburn service offices during business hours
  • Crisis services including on scene, law enforcement, hospital, court, family and children services – accompaniment and advocacy

Learn more at Stand Up Placer crisis intervention webpage

Virtual DV Resource Portal 

When it is safe to do so, we encourage you to watch these videos to learn more about the dangers of domestic violence, as well as hear directly from survivors. 

WHAT I WISH I KNEW: A DV survivor from the county's (Em)power + Resilience Project wrote her previous self a letter. 
When it comes to trauma, pain, heartbreak – everyone has their own path toward healing, empowerment and resilience. This is Anabel’s. Not only was this exercise healing for her, she says that if this helps even one person in a Domestic Violence situation, it will all be worth it.

SWIM AGAIN: The Problem (with domestic violence)
Join the California District Attorney's Association for the debut episode of Swim Again, a five-part documentary and training series on the issue of domestic violence. This first installment, “The Problem,” features a variety of domestic violence survivors, prosecutors and law enforcement officials discussing the Power and Control Wheel, the cycle of violence and survivor experiences.


How law enforcement can help: A Placer County Sheriff's Office PSA for DV Survivors

Learn how faith in law enforcement, the system, therapy, and tenacity allowed Anabel to put her dark past behind her and become the best version of herself. Anabel says she got sucked into the cycle of domestic violence after her sexual assault in May 1994 and wants other domestic violence victims to remember that it’s not their experience that defines them, but how they come out of a traumatic situation.


TED TALK: Why domestic violence victims don't leave

Leslie Morgan Steiner was in "crazy love" -- that is, madly in love with a man who routinely abused her and threatened her life. Steiner tells the dark story of her relationship, correcting misconceptions many people hold about victims of domestic violence, and explaining how we can all help break the silence.

National Coalition Against Domestic Violence

National Coalition Against Domestic Violence's mission is to lead, mobilize and raise our voices to support efforts that demand a change of conditions that lead to domestic violence. They are dedicated to supporting survivors and holding offenders accountable and supporting advocates. Every year they host Domestic Violence Awareness Month nationwide. Learn more

Copy of Did you know (2)

Strangulation is one of the most dangerous and under discussed dangers to an intimate partner. Learn the facts. Take action. View SARP now. 

1Teen dating violence
In 2003, the story of Justine Vanderschoot tragically shook Placer County to its core. On Labor Day, 17-year-old Justine disappeared. After weeks of searching, Justine’s boyfriend, Daniel Bezemer, and his friend, Brandon Fernandez, admitted to Justine’ murder.  

Her family will tell you there were signs, but they thought it was just a young teenage boy acting bigger than he truly felt. It seemed harmless until after the fact.  The message? Talk to your loved ones early and often. Check in with them. Empower them to see the signs and take action. Read the full story and learn more about teen dating violence. 

Other resources + information