As of 12/17/2020
During this time period when we are recommending people to stay in their homes, we recognize that those who suffer from domestic violence may find themselves at increased risk of harm than before. We’ve provided the following updates and information to provide you with the tools you may need to protect yourself and your loved ones. Please note that many abusers monitor their victim’s internet and cell-phone activity. Remember to view all domestic violence or help related pages on a safe device, such as a public library computer or friend’s smartphone.
Legal Services
DC Superior Court is currently holding hearings for Domestic Violence cases.
As of November 9th, 2020 the District of Columbia Courts will be conducting all Civil Protection Order (CPO) cases remotely. For more information on this process, visit their page here
On June 18th, 2020, the Court issued an Order clarifying the process for filing for Civil Protection Orders and obtaining Temporary Protection Orders during this public health crisis. The court’s order provides as follows:
- Any existing Temporary Protection Order (TPO) and Civil Protection Orders will expire on the date specified in the order or on June 19th, 2020 (whichever is later) unless an extension is filed.
- Requests for TPO go through the Emergency Temporary Protection Order. Accessible 24/7 and can be reached at (800) 407-5048
- Emergency Filings in Civil Protection Order cases can be made through www.probono.net/dccourts. Once you electronically complete and submit the form, please contact the Clerks’ Office to proceed with the filing by phone at (202) 879-0157 or by email at domesticviolencemanagement@dcsc.gov.
- You can also access the Domestic Violence Division forms on the DC Courts website at http://www.dccourts.gov/services/forms?title=&combine. After completing the form, email it to domesticviolencemanagement@dcsc.gov. If there is a form that is not available on the website, please email for further assistance.
For extensive information on how to file for a Civil Protection Order or Extreme Risk Protection Order as well as a comprehensive list of legal resources in the area, please visit the website of the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia
Legal Services that You can Access via telephone/online forms:
- Network for Victim Recovery of DC (NVRDC): (202)-742-1727
- Victim Legal Network of DC
- Ayuda’s Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault walk-in clinic: (202)-387-4848 M/W/F from 9am to 12 pm and 1 -4 pm
- DC Volunteer Lawyers Project: (202)-425-7573 M-F 9am-5pm
- Break the Cycle legal advice: (202)-849-6282/ legalservices@breakthecycle.org
- DV LEAPS accepting incoming appeals
- Safe Sisters Circle for Civil Protection Orders/child custody: (202)-596-5209 and info@safesisterscircle.org
- The Amara Legal Center for anyone who has traded sex for commerical use whether by choice, coercion, or circumstance: (240)-257-6492 info@amaralegal.org
- Legal Aid Society of DC: (202)-628-1161
- Bread for the City for family law, housing, immigration: (202)-386-7616
If you have questions about your court date or any restraining orders, you can find answers to some FAQs at the following website, WomensLaw. The questions answered are as followed:
- How do I know if my local courthouse is still open?
- I’m not sure if my court date is still scheduled. What do I do?
- What happens if my court date was cancelled or postponed (adjourned)?
- What should I do about my case if I test positive for COVID-19 or I am experiencing symptoms?
- I don’t have a restraining order, but I need one. Can I still get one?
- I already have a temporary restraining order. My courthouse has canceled in-person hearings. Can I still get a final order?
- My restraining order has been violated. What can I do?
Emergency Services
For immediate needs contact the DC Victim Hotline. To reach the hotline, dial or text 1-844-4HELPDC (1-844-443-5732) or access the online chat at www.DCvictim.org/chat.
DC SAFE: victims and survivors of domestic abuse can call 24/7 for assistance by calling the DC Victim Hotline above.
Safety plans:
A number of programs are available to help you create safety plans.
- Asian/ Pacific Islander Domestic Violence Resource Project: (202)-833-233
- JCADA: helpline from 9 am to 5pm Monday-Thursday; 9 am to 3 pm on Friday 1-877-88-JCADA
- DAWN: For those who are deaf/hard of hearing: Email at Hotline@DeafDawn.org
Hotlines:
- The National Domestic Violence Hotline is also available 24/7 at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or 1-800-787-3223 (TTY)
- The National Sexual Assault Hotline is 24/7, confidential and free: 800.656.HOPE (4673) and through chat.
- The StrongHearts Native Helpline for domestic/sexual violence is available 7am-10pm CT, confidential, and specifically for Native communities: 1−844-762-8483.
- The Trans LifeLine for peer support for trans folks 9am-3am CT: 1-877-565-8860 This hotline is staffed exclusively by trans operators is the only crisis line with a policy against non-consensual active rescue.
- National Parent Helpline Monday – Friday 12pm-9am CT emotional support and advocacy for parents: 1-855-2736.
- Crime Victims Compensation Program offers emergency financial assistance: (202) 879-4216 or (202) 561-3000
If you are concerned about being quarantined in an unsafe home situation or need help, all shelter resources are generally available on: domesticshelters.org
Housing/Shelter
Domestic Housing Shelters, listed below, continue to be operational with some modifications and postponements.
- DC Safe: https://www.dcsafe.org/
- My Sister’s Place: https://mysistersplacedc.org/
- DASH: https://www.dashdc.org/
- House of Ruth: https://houseofruth.org/
- DHS Family Violence Prevention: contact Nancy Blackwell at (202) 715-7627
During this time, DC Safe, My Sister’s Place, DASH, and House of Ruth have followed protocols recommended by the DC Department of Human Services for the protection of staff and residents.
Program Postponement:
- My Sister’s Place has postponed its weekly resource clinic and support group.
- DASH has postponed its volunteer activities until April 1
