Domestic Violence Resources and Safety for Single Mothers in California

Domestic Violence and Abuse Help & Safety Resources for Single Mothers in California

Last updated: September 2025

Emergency Help First

If you are in immediate danger, call 911. Ask the officer for an Emergency Protective Order (EPO) that starts right away and lasts up to 7 days. Police can reach a judge 24/7. (www4.courts.ca.gov)
Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline 24/7 at 800-799-7233; text START to 88788; or use secure chat for safety planning and referrals. (thehotline.org)
In Los Angeles County, call the countywide DV hotline 800-978-3600 or dial 211 for help and shelter access. (publichealth.lacounty.gov)
For Native survivors, call StrongHearts Native Helpline 844-762-8483 (7NATIVE), text, or chat online for culturally specific advocacy. (strongheartshelpline.org)
If you need to hide your address, California’s Safe at Home program can give you a confidential mailing address. Phone 877-322-5227. (sos.ca.gov)

Quick Help Box

Call a DV advocate now at 800-799-7233 or text START to 88788 for confidential safety planning, shelter referrals, and legal options. (thehotline.org)
Ask police for an Emergency Protective Order that begins immediately and lasts up to 7 days; file a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) next business day to extend protection. (www4.courts.ca.gov)
Apply for CalWORKs Immediate Need cash of up to $200 within 1 working day if you have an emergency and appear eligible for aid. (leginfo.legislature.ca.gov)
Request CalFresh Expedited Service—food benefits within 3 days if you qualify. (cdss.ca.gov)
If firearms are involved, consider a Gun Violence Restraining Order to remove guns from the person who is a danger; long‑term orders can last up to 5 years. (selfhelp.courts.ca.gov)
Use Safe at Home address confidentiality to shield your home, voter records, DMV records, and mail. Phone 877-322-5227. (sos.ca.gov)

What to Do Right Now to Get Protection

Go to a safe place and call an advocate. If you need shelter, advocates can check bed availability across counties.
Ask for an Emergency Protective Order from the responding officer. It starts immediately and lasts up to 7 days. (www4.courts.ca.gov)
File for a Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO). TROs usually last 20–25 days until your hearing; a DVRO after hearing can last up to 5 years. There is no filing fee. (www4.courts.ca.gov, selfhelp.courts.ca.gov)
Get your papers served. The Sheriff will serve DV restraining order papers for free if you have an address for the restrained person. Ask the court for form SER‑001. (selfhelp.courts.ca.gov)
Bring proof to court: police reports, photos, messages, medical notes, witness statements, and any evidence showing abuse.
After the hearing, keep multiple copies of your order with you, at your child’s school, and with your workplace security.

What to do if this doesn’t work: If you can’t get served in time, ask the court to continue your hearing and reissue the TRO; the court commonly extends temporary orders when service is difficult. Seek help from your court’s free Self‑Help Center. (selfhelp.courts.ca.gov)

California Restraining Orders at a Glance

Order type	Who requests	How long it lasts	Key steps	Cost
Emergency Protective Order (EPO)	Police request from a judge	Up to 7 days	Ask responding officer to request EPO	Free (www4.courts.ca.gov)
Temporary Restraining Order (TRO)	You file at court	About 20–25 days	File DV forms; judge decides same day or next business day	Free (www4.courts.ca.gov, selfhelp.courts.ca.gov)
DV Restraining Order after hearing (DVRO)	You	Up to 5 years, renewable	Hearing with both sides; bring evidence	Free; Sheriff serves for free (selfhelp.courts.ca.gov)
Gun Violence Restraining Order (GVRO)	Police, family/household, certain employers/schools	Up to 5 years after hearing	File GV forms; court can grant temporary orders quickly	No filing fee; service rules vary by county (selfhelp.courts.ca.gov, sf.courts.ca.gov)

Reality check: Service can take time. Start with all known addresses and hours and request Sheriff service right away. If the restrained person avoids service, ask for more time. (selfhelp.courts.ca.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: If local service fails, consider a professional process server, or ask the judge about alternative service methods. Your court’s Self‑Help Center can guide you. (selfhelp.courts.ca.gov)

Money, Food, and Relocation Help

Programs single mothers can use immediately

Program	What it covers	Amounts and limits	How to apply
CalWORKs Immediate Need	Emergency cash advance for families who appear eligible for CalWORKs	Up to $200 paid by end of the first working day after request; county must verify within 15 working days	Apply at BenefitsCal or your county office; ask specifically for “Immediate Need”
CalWORKs Homeless Assistance (HA)	Hotel/motel and move‑in or arrears help	Temporary HA pays *$85/ d a y * f or f ami l i es u pt o 4, pl u s * $ 15* per extra person (max $145/day) for up to 16 days; Permanent HA pays security deposit and last month’s rent or up to two months of arrears (rent cap applies)	Apply via CalWORKs; bring ID, proof of homelessness, quotes from motels/landlords
CalFresh (SNAP)	Monthly food benefits on EBT	FY 2025 maximums in CA: 1‑person *$292 ; 2‑ p erso n $ 536; 3‑person $768 ; 4‑ p erso n $ 975; 8‑person $1, 756 ; + $ 220* each extra person. Expedited service within 3 days if you qualify; standard within 30 days.	Apply online at CalFresh Food or your county. State help line 877‑847‑3663 (FOOD)
CalVCB (Victim Compensation)	Reimbursement for crime‑related expenses	Overall cap *$70, 000 * p er a ppl i c a t i o n; re l oc a t i o n l imi t * $ 3,418; funeral $12,818*; counseling sessions per guidelines	Apply online or get help via CalVCB at 800‑777‑9229
Safe at Home	Confidential address, voter record protection, service of process	Enrollment via an approved agency; address accepted by state and local agencies; program phone 877‑322‑5227	Make an appointment with a local enrolling agency listed by county

Tips that save time: Bring ID, proof of residency (or shelter letter), any police reports or restraining orders, EBT card if you have one, and children’s birth certificates or Medi‑Cal numbers.

What to do if this doesn’t work: If an application stalls, ask for a supervisor, cite “Immediate Need” for CalWORKs, and request “Expedited Service” for CalFresh. If a benefit is denied or delayed, you can ask for a fair hearing. (leginfo.legislature.ca.gov, cdss.ca.gov)

Income Limits and Food Benefit Numbers You’ll See This Year

Household size	Max CalFresh monthly benefit (48 states/DC)	Gross monthly income limit (130% FPL)
1	$292	$1,632
2	$536	$2,215
3	$768	$2,798
4	$975	$3,380
5	$1,158	$3,963
6	$1,390	$4,546
7	$1,536	$5,129
8	$1,756	$5,712
Each add’l person	+$220	+$583

Figures effective Oct 1, 2024 – Sep 30, 2025. (fns.usda.gov)

Housing and Tenant Safety Rights in California

Right	What it means	Where it’s written
Early lease break for survivors	You can end a rental agreement early with proper documentation (e.g., restraining order, police report, or qualified third‑party statement).	California Civil Code 1946.7. (leginfo.legislature.ca.gov)
Lock change within 24 hours	If the abuser is not a tenant in your unit, your landlord must change locks within 24 hours after you provide required documentation; if they don’t, you may change them and be reimbursed within 21 days.	California Civil Code 1941.5 and 1941.6. (leginfo.legislature.ca.gov)
HUD VAWA protections	In federally assisted housing, you cannot be denied admission or evicted because of abuse; you can request an emergency transfer to a safe unit.	HUD VAWA resources and forms (HUD‑5380/5381/5382/5383). (hud.gov)

Reality check: Landlords and housing providers may not understand the rules. Bring printed statutes/forms and ask a legal aid or DV advocate to call the landlord if needed.

What to do if this doesn’t work: Contact your local legal aid and your Public Housing Agency’s VAWA coordinator; if denied, file a complaint with HUD’s Office of Fair Housing. (hud.gov)

Employment, Pay, and Time‑Off Protections

Protection	Who’s covered	What you can use it for	Key numbers
Time off for DV, sexual assault, stalking	All employers must allow time to get restraining orders or go to court; employers with 25+ employees must also allow time for medical care, counseling, safety planning, or services from a DV program.	Court, police, medical, counseling, safety planning	Reasonable notice or proof; retaliation is illegal. (dir.ca.gov)
Reasonable safety accommodations	All employers must consider changes like schedule, location, phone, or locks.	Keep you safe at work	Request through HR; confidentiality required. (dir.ca.gov)
Paid Sick Leave	Most workers get at least 40 hours/5 days per year statewide; local ordinances may provide more.	Use for your own or your child’s medical/counseling needs	Effective Jan 1, 2024. (dir.ca.gov, dir.ca.gov)

Reality check: You may be asked for documentation after an unplanned absence; a police/court document, medical or counselor note, or your signed statement usually works.

What to do if this doesn’t work: File a retaliation or leave denial claim with the Labor Commissioner; ask a DV advocate for help preparing documents. (dir.ca.gov)

Child Custody and Child Support When Abuse Is Involved

California law creates a presumption that giving custody (sole or joint) to a parent who perpetrated domestic violence within the last 5 years is harmful to the child. Courts require specific findings to overcome this presumption. (leginfo.legislature.ca.gov)
If pursuing child support puts you or your child at risk, ask your CalWORKs worker about a “good cause” waiver of cooperation with child support due to domestic abuse. Counties can also waive program rules and time limits so you can focus on safety. (cdss.ca.gov, cdss.ca.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Bring an advocate or attorney to mediation; ask the court for supervised exchanges or visits and to include firearm restrictions and safe‑school drop‑off orders in your DVRO. (selfhelp.courts.ca.gov)

Remove Guns Fast if There’s a Threat

A Gun Violence Restraining Order can temporarily remove firearms, ammunition, and magazines from someone who poses a significant danger. Family/household members, certain employers, school staff (with authorization), and law enforcement can file. Final orders can last up to 5 years. (selfhelp.courts.ca.gov)
All restraining orders—including DVROs—prohibit the restrained person from having guns or ammunition. Violations can lead to arrest. (selfhelp.courts.ca.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: If police say they can’t find your order, ask the court clerk to ensure it’s entered into CLETS and bring stamped copies to your local police department. (selfhelp.courts.ca.gov)

Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

EPO duration: up to 7 days. TRO: about 20–25 days. DVRO: up to 5 years. Sheriff serves DV papers for free. (www4.courts.ca.gov, selfhelp.courts.ca.gov)
CalWORKs Immediate Need: up to $200 within 1 working day; verification within 15 working days. (leginfo.legislature.ca.gov)
CalWORKs HA: hotel/motel up to 16 days; $85/ d a y * * f or a f ami l y u pt o 4 (+ * *$ 15 per extra person; max $145/day); security deposit/last month’s rent or up to 2 months arrears. (cdss.ca.gov)
CalFresh FY 2025 maximums: 1 $292 * *, 2 * *$ 536, 3 $768 * *, 4 * *$ 975; expedited in 3 days if eligible. (fns.usda.gov, cdss.ca.gov)
CalVCB relocation: up to $3, 418 * *; o v er a ll c a p * *$ 70,000 per claim. Phone 800‑777‑9229. (victims.ca.gov)
Safe at Home: phone 877‑322‑5227 for confidential address. (sos.ca.gov)

Application Checklist

Bring as many as you can—don’t wait for “perfect” paperwork.

Photo ID and children’s IDs or birth certificates
Social Security numbers or Medi‑Cal numbers (if any)
Proof of address or a shelter/agency letter (or use Safe at Home materials)
Police report, restraining order, or third‑party statement (for housing protections)
Proof of income, rent, and utilities (for CalFresh/CalWORKs calculations)
Medical or counseling notes (if using DV leave or CalVCB counseling)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Waiting to apply—CalWORKs Immediate Need and CalFresh Expedited Service exist to help within 1–3 days when you qualify.
Not asking for Sheriff service—serving papers quickly for free often makes the difference in getting a long‑term order. (selfhelp.courts.ca.gov)
Forgetting to renew a DVRO—you can renew up to 3 months before expiration; no new abuse required. (selfhelp.courts.ca.gov)
Not telling your employer—California law protects time off and workplace accommodations when you disclose DV. (dir.ca.gov)
Missing CalVCB deadlines—apply as soon as you can and keep receipts; limits and documentation apply. (victims.ca.gov)

Diverse Communities

LGBTQ+ single mothers: California shelters and hotlines serve all survivors. Ask for LGBTQ‑affirming services and inclusive housing; The Hotline and county hotlines can connect you. Phone: 800‑799‑7233; LA County 800‑978‑3600. (thehotline.org, publichealth.lacounty.gov)

Single mothers with disabilities or disabled children: You can request reasonable accommodations in housing and at work. CalVCB covers accessibility modifications tied to the crime; ask your advocate to note disability‑related needs in safety planning. (victims.ca.gov)

Veteran single mothers: You can request DVROs and VAWA housing protections in HUD‑assisted housing; ask VA social work or your local PHA for emergency transfers under VAWA. (hud.gov)

Immigrant and refugee single moms: You can qualify for restraining orders, Safe at Home, and many services regardless of status. For public benefits, rules vary; ask a legal aid/immigration attorney. VAWA housing protections apply regardless of citizenship. Safe at Home: 877‑322‑5227. (sos.ca.gov, hud.gov)

Tribal‑specific resources: StrongHearts Native Helpline offers 24/7 culturally grounded advocacy, safety planning, and referrals—call 844‑762‑8483 or use chat/text. (strongheartshelpline.org)

Rural single moms with limited access: Use county hotlines and 211 to locate the nearest shelter. If transportation is a barrier, ask CalWORKs or Family Stabilization for help with gas or lodging while you move to safety. (cdss.ca.gov)

Single fathers: All the same protections and benefits apply if you’re the non‑offending parent with children.

Language access: Courts and hotlines offer language assistance; ask your court to schedule an interpreter for your restraining‑order hearing. (sf.courts.ca.gov)

Local and Regional Resources

San Francisco: La Casa de las Madres 24/7 lines—Adults 877‑503‑1850, Teens 877‑923‑0700 (text 415‑200‑3575 weekdays). (lacasa.org)
Los Angeles County: Countywide DV Hotline 800‑978‑3600; dial 211 for connections. (publichealth.lacounty.gov)
Sacramento County: WEAVE 24‑hour Support & Information Line 916‑920‑2952. (weaveinc.org)
Santa Clara County: Next Door Solutions 408‑279‑2962; YWCA 24‑hour crisis 800‑572‑2782; Community Solutions South County 877‑363‑7238. (santaclara.courts.ca.gov)
Orange County: Human Options 24‑hour hotline 877‑854‑3594. (humanoptions.org)
San Diego County: 24‑hour county DV hotline 888‑385‑4657 (DV‑LINKS). (justice.gov)
Statewide directory: California Partnership to End Domestic Violence—find your local program by county and hotline numbers. (cpedv.org)

How to File a DVRO Step‑by‑Step

Get court forms online (search “Domestic Violence Restraining Order California Courts”) or visit your court’s Self‑Help Center.
Complete the forms and file; a judge usually decides on temporary protection the same day or next business day. (selfhelp.courts.ca.gov)
Arrange service—ask the Sheriff to serve for free if you have an address. Use form SER‑001. (selfhelp.courts.ca.gov)
Prepare for hearing—bring evidence and witnesses; arrive early, ask for a safe waiting area.

What to do if this doesn’t work: If you need protection from a gun threat specifically, ask about a GVRO immediately (law enforcement can file same day). (selfhelp.courts.ca.gov)

Realistic Timelines

EPO: immediate, up to 7 days. TRO: decision same day or next business day; hearing usually within 3–4 weeks. DVRO: up to 5 years after hearing. (www4.courts.ca.gov, selfhelp.courts.ca.gov)
CalWORKs Immediate Need: payment within 1 working day; full eligibility verified within 15 working days. (leginfo.legislature.ca.gov)
CalFresh Expedited Service: benefits within 3 days for households that qualify. (cdss.ca.gov)

California Facts You Can Use

California raised CalVCB relocation to $3, 418 * *, f u n er a lt o * *$ 12,818, and set an overall cap of $70,000 per application. (victims.ca.gov)
FY 2025 SNAP maximum for a family of four is $975; income standards and deductions were updated effective Oct 1, 2024. (fns.usda.gov)
California tracks DV and gun violence and uses protective orders to disarm dangerous people; GVROs and DVRO firearm provisions are key strategies. (oag.ca.gov)

FAQs (California‑Specific)

How fast can I get a protective order? An officer can request an EPO on the spot; if you file at court, a judge usually decides on a TRO the same day or next business day. (www4.courts.ca.gov, selfhelp.courts.ca.gov)
Do I have to pay to file a DVRO? No, there’s no filing fee for DVROs. The Sheriff can serve for free. (selfhelp.courts.ca.gov)
Can I break my lease because of abuse? Yes, with proper documentation under Civil Code 1946.7. (leginfo.legislature.ca.gov)
Can I change the locks? Yes—if the abuser is not a tenant of your unit, your landlord must change locks within 24 hours or you can and be reimbursed within 21 days. (leginfo.legislature.ca.gov)
Can the court remove guns from the abuser? DVROs prohibit gun possession; you can also request a GVRO to remove firearms quickly. (selfhelp.courts.ca.gov)
How much will CalFresh give me? It depends on income/household size; FY 2025 max for three is $768 * *, f o u r i s * *$ 975. (fns.usda.gov)
I need food now—how long for CalFresh? If you qualify for expedited service, within 3 days; otherwise within 30 days. (cdss.ca.gov)
Can I get last‑minute cash for safety? Ask for CalWORKs Immediate Need—up to $200 within 1 working day if you appear eligible. (leginfo.legislature.ca.gov)
Will my job let me take time off for court or shelter? Yes—California law requires time off and reasonable accommodations; paid sick leave is at least 40 hours/5 days statewide. (dir.ca.gov, dir.ca.gov)
How do I keep my address private? Apply to Safe at Home for a confidential state‑provided address; phone 877‑322‑5227. (sos.ca.gov)

Tables You Can Print

Hotlines and Key Numbers

Service	Number / Access
National Domestic Violence Hotline	800‑799‑7233, text START to 88788, online chat
LA County DV Hotline	800‑978‑3600
StrongHearts Native Helpline	844‑762‑8483 (call/text), chat
CalVCB	800‑777‑9229
Safe at Home	877‑322‑5227
CalFresh/CalWORKs info line	877‑847‑3663 (FOOD)

DVRO Timeline

Step	Typical timing
Police request EPO	Immediate, up to 7 days
File TRO	Judge decides same day or next business day
Hearing on DVRO	Usually 3–4 weeks after filing
DVRO duration	Up to 5 years, renewable

CalWORKs and CalFresh Quick Money

Program	Amounts	Timeline
Immediate Need	Up to $200	1 working day after request
HA motel	*$85/ d a y * u pt o 4 p eo pl e, + * $ 15* each add’l (max $145/day), up to 16 days	Same day if eligible
CalFresh expedited	Max benefit by household size (e.g., *$768 * f or 3; * $ 975* for 4)	3 days if expedited

Housing Rights Summary

Protection	Your action	Proof to bring
Early lease termination	Give written notice citing Civil Code 1946.7	DVRO/police report/qualified third‑party statement
Lock change in 24 hours	Send written request with documentation	DVRO/EPO/police report or allowed documents
VAWA emergency transfer (assisted housing)	File transfer request with housing provider	HUD‑5383 and any supporting documentation

Workplace Protections

Right	Who’s covered	Documentation
Time off for court/medical/shelter	All employers; expanded rights at 25+ employees	Police/court/medical or counselor documentation, or your signed statement
Paid Sick Leave	Most workers statewide get 40 hours/5 days minimum per year	Employer’s policy or state law
Safety accommodations	All employers must consider reasonable measures	Your written request to HR

About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

This guide uses official sources from the Judicial Branch of California, California Department of Social Services (CDSS), California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB), HUD, and established nonprofits including the National Domestic Violence Hotline and StrongHearts Native Helpline.

This guide is produced based on our Editorial Standards and uses only official sources, with clear links to applications, laws, and hotlines. We update guides regularly and track policy changes. We are independent researchers, not government employees, and cannot guarantee outcomes. Individual circumstances affect eligibility and benefits.

Last verified September 2025, next review April 2026.

For corrections or updates, email info@asinglemother.org.

Disclaimer

Important notice: Program rules, dollar amounts, timelines, and phone numbers can change. Always verify with the relevant agency or court before you act. Nothing here is legal advice or a substitute for individualized counseling or representation. Protect your digital safety—use a safe device if possible and clear your browser history after viewing sensitive pages.

Sources

California Courts—Emergency Protective Orders, TROs, DVROs, and process details; no filing fees; renewal windows; Sheriff service for free. (www4.courts.ca.gov, selfhelp.courts.ca.gov)
CDSS—CalWORKs Immediate Need; CalFresh Expedited Service rights; Homeless Assistance daily rates and timelines; Family Stabilization and DV waivers; statewide hotlines and resources. (leginfo.legislature.ca.gov, cdss.ca.gov)
USDA FNS—SNAP FY 2025 maximum allotments, income standards, deductions and assets (effective Oct 1, 2024 – Sep 30, 2025). (fns.usda.gov)
CalVCB—overall cap $70, 000 * *, re l oc a t i o n * *$ 3,418, funeral $12,818; contact information. (victims.ca.gov)
Safe at Home—program overview, eligibility, enrolling agencies, and phone 877‑322‑5227. (sos.ca.gov)
HUD VAWA—emergency transfers and housing protections for survivors in assisted housing; forms HUD‑5380/5381/5382/5383. (hud.gov)
Labor Commissioner—DV leave, reasonable accommodations; Paid Sick Leave 40 hours/5 days minimum. (dir.ca.gov, dir.ca.gov)
California Civil Code 1946.7, 1941.5, 1941.6—lease termination and lock change rights. (leginfo.legislature.ca.gov)
Family Code 3044—DV custody presumption. (leginfo.legislature.ca.gov)
Local hotlines and shelters—LA County DV Hotline; La Casa de las Madres; WEAVE; Santa Clara programs; Human Options; San Diego DV‑LINKS. (publichealth.lacounty.gov, lacasa.org, weaveinc.org, santaclara.courts.ca.gov, humanoptions.org, justice.gov)

What you do next matters: Start with safety, then secure protection, then stabilize with cash, food, and housing. Keep copies of everything and ask for help early. You do not have to do this alone.

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