Safety · Santa Barbara County
Restraining-order and abuse resources in Santa Barbara
Find court instructions and local legal assistance for domestic violence, elder abuse, sexual assault, and related restraining orders.
Sources reviewed September 2026
A useful starting point
This page may help if…
- You need information about a domestic-violence restraining order.
- You are seeking local civil legal assistance related to abuse or personal safety.
- You need to find the court’s current self-help instructions and forms.
Plain-language path
Where to start
Address immediate danger first
Call 911 if you are in immediate danger. This website is not an emergency service.
Use the official court instructions
California Courts explains eligibility, forms, filing, service, and hearing steps for domestic-violence restraining orders.
Ask about local assistance
Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara County lists services for eligible survivors of abuse.
Deadlines, eligibility, services, and court procedures can change. Confirm current details with the linked organization or court.
Optional support
Support free legal assistance locally
Donations go directly to the Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara County. This guide never handles your payment.