Domestic Violence & Stalking
The Town of Los Gatos and the Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department are committed to providing a safe place for our residents to live and work. What is Domestic Violence?
Felony domestic violence is defined in the California Penal Code as willful infliction of injury, resulting in a traumatic condition to a spouse, former spouse, cohabitant, former cohabitant, or mother or father of his/her child. Misdemeanor domestic violence is a battery against a spouse, former spouse, fiancée, former fiancée, a person who is having or has had a dating relationship, or has had a child together. Penalties for conviction range from less than 1 year in county jail, and a fine, or imprisonment in state prison. California police departments are required by law to file a written police report on a domestic violence situation that goes beyond a verbal argument.
Reporting Domestic Violence
Research in Santa Clara County shows that people who speak up about domestic violence can save lives. Most domestic violence cases involve children witnessing the acts as well. The impact of this is tremendous on a child. If you suspect someone is a victim of domestic violence, do not be silent about it. There are numerous resources available for victims and their families.
To report a domestic violence in progress, call 9-1-1! If you or anyone you know is the victim of domestic violence, call 408-354-8600.
Forms and Information from Santa Clara County
What is stalking?
While legal definitions of stalking vary from one jurisdiciton to another, a good working definition of stalking is a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear.
Things you can do:
Stalking is unpredictable and dangerous. No two stalking situations are alike. There are no guarantees that what works for one person will work for another. You can take steps to increase your safety.
- If you are in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.
- Trust your instincts. Don't downplay the danger. If you feel you are unsafe, you probably are.
- Take threats seriously.
- Contact a crisis hotline, victim services agency, or domestic violence/rape crisis program, they can help you.
- Develop a safety plan, including things like changing your routine and arranging for a place to stay.
- Don't communicate with the stalker or respond to attempts to contact you.
- Document evidence of stalking.
- Contact the police. Every state has stalking laws.
- Tell friends, family, roommates, and coworkers about the stalking and seek their support.
For more information on stalking, please view the stalking fact sheet.
Domestic Violence Resources
Next Door Solutions
Start Your Recovery.org
Community Solutions
Asian Americans for Community Involvement
California Victims Compensation Program
Santa Clara County Self Help Center
Domestic Violence Recovery