Family
Nov. 5, 2026
California's expanded domestic violence protections present new challenges for courts
California's recognition of nonphysical abuse, including coercive control, provides critical protection for survivors, but also presents difficult questions for judges reviewing contested allegations in family law proceedings. Recent discovery restrictions add another layer of complexity, balancing protection with procedural fairness.
In 2025, California law enforcement agencies received 157,416 domestic violence-related calls for assistance, according to the California Department of Justice, following 163,024 calls in 2024. These figures represent calls for assistance, not necessarily confirmed incidents of abuse.
When someone faces abuse or threats, timely access to a domestic violence restraining order (DVRO) can be essential.
California law has long established that domestic violence extends beyond p...
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