Every survivor should have a fair chance to seek protection through the courts.
Requesting a restraining order requires detailed forms, written declarations, and court procedures designed for people who know how the legal system works. CFJ helps survivors understand their options and prepare the documents needed to present their requests to the court.
View current services, clinic hours, location, and information about what to bring.
What we do
The Domestic Violence Project is a free, walk-in courthouse clinic for people seeking, responding to, or renewing domestic violence restraining orders.
The Project provides legal information and assistance with court documents. It does not provide legal representation.
Every survivor decides whether seeking a restraining order is right for them. Our role is to provide the information and assistance survivors need to make their own informed choices.
- Understand their options and decide whether and how to proceed
- Prepare requests for restraining orders, responses, and renewals
- Explain what happened in the written declaration submitted to the court
- Complete related custody, visitation, mediation, and fee-waiver forms
- Request interpreters and disability accommodations
- Understand how documents must be delivered and what to expect at a hearing
- Connect with other legal and supportive services
“I felt supported enough to open up about my case. Even though I wanted a restraining order, I would not have been able to complete the process without DVP’s assistance.”M.A., Survivor
Help that reaches survivors when it matters.
Volunteer with the Domestic Violence Project
You know how much legal procedures, forms, and deadlines matter. For a survivor seeking protection, clearly and accurate paperwork gives the court the information it needs to consider and grant the request.
Under the supervision of CFJ attorneys, volunteers work directly with survivors. They conduct interviews, help survivors present the relevant facts clearly, prepare declarations and restraining order forms, and explain the court process.
Volunteer attorneys give their time and skill. Donors make the work possible.
Donations sustain the CFJ staff who recruit, train and supervise volunteers, so CFJ can provide free legal help to more survivors. Your gift helps survivors understand the court process and empowers them to participate effectively as they seek protection.
Celebrating 40 years of service
Established in 1986, the Domestic Violence Project has assisted survivors at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse for four decades.
In 2026, CFJ is presenting A Legacy of Justice: A Future of Hope, a reception honoring the people who helped build the Project and those carrying its work forward.
Thank you to our sponsors
We’re grateful for the partners who fuel this work.
- Alston & Bird
- Bruce Spector
- King & Spalding LLP
- Saul Ewing LLP
- Selman Leichenger Edson Hsu Newman & Moore LLP
- The Ripple Family