Jessica Gomez, Roxana Franco, & Dr. Daniel Sandoval
Restraining orders (ROs) are pivotal legal mechanisms safeguarding victims of domestic violence from further harm. They represent a critical step in empowering victims and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Family Justice Center (FJC) offers a comprehensive array of services tailored to domestic violence victims, including legal aid and counseling.
Among the FJC’s services, the RO intake class plays a significant role. This class aims to educate victims on ROs, legal procedures, and available support services, empowering them and enhancing their understanding of their rights.
This research explores the impact of completing the RO intake class on the success rates of obtaining restraining orders for domestic violence victims served by the Ventura County DA’s FJC. Specifically, it examines the efficacy of this educational intervention in facilitating RO success. Notably, the study analyzes the role of language in class success rates, revealing that out of the participants, 55 were English-speaking victims, while only 6 were Spanish-speaking victims.
Through statistical analysis, this study aims to provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of FJC’s support services and broader efforts to combat domestic violence in Ventura County. Additionally, it will shed light on the significance of language accessibility in ensuring equitable access to crucial legal resources and services for all domestic violence victims.