Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behaviors that a person uses against an intimate or former partner. The abuser uses fear and intimidation to gain power and control over another person. The abuse can take many forms, including emotional, economic, and sexual abuse and it may involve using children, pets, threats, intimidation, and isolation.

Domestic violence has harmed relationships for centuries and still remains a widespread problem. It affects millions of people annually, mostly women. In the United States, 1 in 4 women will be physically assaulted by an intimate partner at some point in their lives. Domestic violence affects people of all ages, ethnicities, cultures, religions, sexual orientations, educational backgrounds, and income levels.

Cases involving domestic violence can be some of the most difficult and sensitive cases with which to work. The lives of victims of this type of assault may be seriously disrupted; often times the victims are forced to “flee” in the middle of the night, leaving behind clothing, identification papers and other personal properties.

The Victim Advocate assigned to this unit works out of the Alameda County Family Justice Center, a one stop shop for victims and families of domestic violence. The Advocate works collaboratively with the many different agencies that provide support, emergency shelters, counseling, guidance with child custody issues, and emergency protective orders.