Guidelines for Effective Response to Domestic Abuse
(GERDA)
Children living in homes where one parent repeatedly exercises coercive control over the other face significant emotional trauma. The constant use of manipulation, favoritism, and threats by the abusive parent destabilizes family functioning and undermines healthy relationships. The trauma is worsened when children witness one parent hit, push, beat, humiliate, injure the other or threaten to do so.
Many children in such homes are also more likely to experience neglect, physical abuse and sexual abuse and suffer long-term psychological and behavioral problems. Early intervention with families experiencing domestic abuse can mitigate many of these negative effects. Successful early intervention requires a strong community commitment to collaboration among law enforcement, child protective services and support agencies.
GERDA Protocol
Guidelines for Effective Response to Domestic Abuse (GERDA) outlines the best efforts for those professionals in Los Angeles County who respond to and work with families where there is domestic violence (also known as intimate partner violence - IPV). Implementation of this protocol will help establish that the immediate and long-term safety and emotional needs of the children and victim will be met. It will act to improve the overall public safety of domestic violence victims and their children throughout the county.
Coercive Control Audio
Resources
The Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles Website: provides restraining order application forms and information on these orders and what is needed to file a request for a restraining order.
The Judicial Branch of California Website: provides information on restraining orders and can be a good resource.
State Bar of California: https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Public/Need-Legal-Help/Free-Legal-Help
Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles: LAFLA: Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles | Justice • Equity • Hope
211 Los Angeles
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https://211la.org/resources/service/domesticfamily-violence-legal-services or
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by phone – dial 211
Women’s Law Center: https://www.womenslaw.org/find-help/ca/finding-lawyer/legal-assistance/
Los Angeles Center for Law and Justice: Survivor Justice Center - Domestic Violence | Sexual Assault
Harriett Buhai Center For Family Law: Harriett Buhai Center for Family Law
Los Angeles Domestic Violence Legal Aid & Pro Bono Services: https://www.justia.com/lawyers/domestic-violence/california/los-angeles/legal-aid-and-pro-bono-services
Los Angeles City Attorney: Domestic Violence Resources that includes DV hotlines, court support, resources for victims of crime, shelter and support services, and legal aid
https://cityattorney.lacity.gov/domestic-violence
Domestic Violence Council
http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/dvcouncil/booklet/booklet.htm
Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Human Trafficking Resources (Resources for survivors, resources for providers, safety planning form, info on Violence against Women Act):
https://www.lahsa.org/portal/apps/dv
Safety Planning – Info on General Safety planning, best practices for service providers, and safety planning for people experiencing homelessness.
Click here to view and download full resource
Safety Planning For People Experiencing Homelessness - PowerPoint training covers the important principals of safety planning.
Click here to view and download full resource
Immigration Resources
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Public benefits for immigrant survivors (coming soon)
Domestic Violence Lethality Assessment
Click here to view and download full resource
The Restraining Order Process for DV case
The restraining order process for domestic violence cases | California Courts | Self Help Guide
Criminal Protective Order - Domestic Violence-Filed in connection of a criminal case being filed:
Click here to view and download full resource
Emergency Protective Order - Temporary order obtained by Law Enforcement:
Click here to view and download full resource
CLETS - The confidential form given to law enforcement only when protected party is a DV victim requesting confidentiality or is a child:
Click here to view and download full resource
Legal Protections and Common Charges
Click here to view and download full resource
LADA Victim - Witness Assistance Program Services Info:
Click here to view and download full resource
Legal Resources
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Resources for Survivors
Click here to view and download full resource
Family Justice Center Alliance (FJCA) - Leading domestic violence and sexual assault prevention and intervention organization in the United States. FJCA serves as the clearinghouse, research center, and national affiliation organization for Family Justice Centers and other multi-agency models: https://www.familyjusticecenter.org/
Strangulation in Intimate Partner Violence
Click here to view and download full resource
On the Edge of Homicide-Strangulation as a Prelude by GAEL B. STRACK and CASEY GWINN
Click here to view and download full resource
Domestic Violence Report on Strangulation
Click here to view and download full resource
Trauma-Informed Care for Children Exposed to Violence - Tips for staff and advocates working with children Polyvictimization:
Click here to view and download full resource
Bibliography of Articles and Books on Domestic Violence