The Family Violence Unit

Welcome to the Family Violence Centers' web site. This section of the web site was developed to provide information relating to Domestic Violence, Child and Elder Abuse, and other family related abuse issues. If you have any questions regarding any issue relating to Family Violence please do not hesitate to contact the proper authorities at once.

The experts believe that family violence is more than just physical violence. It is one person's exercise of power and control over another. Some experts believe that there is a cycle to the violence, which includes periods of remorse and reconciliation before the tension, and violence once again begins. These same experts agree, that without appropriate intervention, the violence will most certainly increase in frequency and severity.

If you are a victim of family violence, safety is the first priority for you and your children. Make a safety plan of where to go and how to get there. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 and explain to the dispatcher exactly what has happened. Whenever you believe you are in danger, leave your home and take your children. It takes courage to call for help or to leave, but it may save you and your children from a future filled with repeated violence. Always get the medical attention you need after an assault.

You may have suffered a more serious injury than you realize. Ensure the police or someone else documents your injuries. If you choose not to take legal action now, but change your mind later, you will need proof that you were assaulted. No matter what choices you make for yourself and your children, the Family Violence Center is here to help you.

View information on Reporting Domestic Violence

Family Violence Center Mission Statement

The City of San Jose has identified the instances of violence in the family as a growing problem in our society. The San Jose Police Department maintains the attitude that violent behavior in the home is considered criminal and is not to be tolerated. The Department facilitates this aggressive stance by strictly enforcing the laws meant to protect victims and their families and by utilizing the referral services provided by the community. The goal of the Family Violence Center is to address family violence issues by serving as the core for a multi-agency effort. The Family Violence Unit focuses on three areas of behavior which most often victimize the family. The investigative units specifically address domestic violence, child/elder abuse and threat management (stalking). The center is staffed by representatives of the District Attorney's Office, Adult Probation, Child Protective Services, Police Department, and a victim advocate from the YWCA of Silicon Valley. This cooperative effort provides all the support services available to victims of family violence in a safe and friendly environment.

Services Provided

• Advocacy services for victims of domestic violence and their children, including counseling.
• Assist in obtaining Temporary Restraining Orders (TRO)
• Personal contact with Police Investigators who specialize in the areas of domestic violence, Child and
• Elderly Abuse, and Stalking
• Personal contact with Social Workers from the Department of Family and Children's Services.
• Referrals to 24 hour emergency shelters
• A waiting area for children to play during visits to the Center
• Educational program referrals for community organizations, churches, schools and businesses to inform the public about family violence

Threat Management Detail

The Threat Management Detail investigates violations of domestic violence restraining orders, stalking, and threats of terror. They also address the issues of work place violence.

Child and Elder Abuse Detail

The Child/Elder Abuse Detail investigates neglect, physical and emotional abuse situations. A "child" is any person under the age of 18 years. An "elder" adult is defined as anyone over the age of 64 years. A "dependent" adult is any person between 18 and 64 years old who has physical or mental limitations, which restrict their ability to carry out normal activities. Child Protective Services works closely with children to ensure their safety and that home services are provided. Adult Protective Services provides similar services to the Elderly and Dependent victims.

Domestic Violence

The Domestic Violence Detail investigates domestic violence incidents of abuse committed against an adult or a fully emancipated minor who is the spouse, former spouse, cohabitant, former cohabitant, a person with whom the suspect has had, or is having, a child or has had a dating/engagement relationship. Same sex relationships are included. Our philosophical position is to make an arrest in every situation where legally permissible (absent exigent circumstances).

Abuse is defined as the intentional or reckless act causing or attempting to cause bodily injury to another person. This includes the placing of another person in a position of jeopardy for imminent serious bodily injury. Abusive behavior can include hitting, slapping, kicking, pushing, biting, pulling hair, striking with an object, and/or sexual assault.

The Juvenile Detail

The Juvenile Detail is comprised of one sergeant and one detectives. Detectives assigned to the Juvenile Detail are responsible for investigating a wide variety of cases involving juvenile offenders. Their investigations range from simple cases of vandalism to serious cases involving weapons and aggravated assault. The unit works closely with both the Santa Clara County Juvenile Probation Department and the District Attorney's Office.

The Missing Persons Detail

The Missing Persons Detail is responsible for locating persons who are formally reported as missing from within the City of San Jose. The Missing Persons Detail is comprised of one sergeant and one detectives. Their cases include: missing adults, “at risk” missing adults, often suffering from a serious medical or mental disorder, missing children and chronic runaways. Missing person cases can be involved and on occasion turn into homicide investigations. Cases involving young children or the severely disabled are given the highest priority. When these serious cases arise the Unit often solicits assistance from other outside resources such as, search and rescue volunteers, and a recently implemented telephone alert system known as, “A Child is Missing Alert!”