A California woman was tragically killed in a murder-suicide the same day she took out a restraining order against her ex-boyfriend. The 54-year-old woman had gone to the Whittier Courthouse to obtain the restraining order earlier that day, which prevented her 59-year-old ex-boyfriend from contacting her and her 26-year-old son. The ex-boyfriend broke into their apartment, shot the son, and then shot the woman, resulting in both their deaths. Authorities had been called to the woman’s home multiple times for domestic violence incidents involving the suspect, but unfortunately, the restraining order was not enough to protect her. The article also highlights the importance of being vigilant and calling the police if someone violates a restraining order.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides resources for victims and their loved ones, including information on legal help and barriers that victims may face. Protective orders are legal documents that can prohibit a partner from physically coming near or harming the victim or their loved ones. Organizations like WomensLaw.org and the Legal Services Corporation offer state-specific information on protective orders and legal aid for low-income individuals. Victims can also use services like VINE to receive updates on criminal cases and the status of offenders. The National Defense Center for Criminalized Survivors provides support for victims of gender-based violence who have been criminalized due to their abuse experiences. It is crucial for victims to seek help from legal services providers or advocacy groups for actions against their abusers, such as assault, harassment, stalking, or interference with child custody.
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