California Penal Code §1170.76 states the law considers the witnessing of domestic violence by children the same as child abuse. Research shows the development of a child’s brain can literally be altered by domestic violence experiences, resulting in negative impacts on the child’s physical, cognitive, emotional, and social growth. 

Access to Legal Assistance Matters! The research of two economists showed that the only public service that reduces domestic abuse in the long term is women’s access to legal assistance. Investing in legal aid is the most effective use of tax dollars in breaking the cycle of violence.  The national study showed that social services such as shelters, counseling, hot lines and emergency transport help secure a victim’s immediate safety, but access to legal assistance is the one service that enables a woman to permanently escape a violent home.

“Legal services provide real, tangible, long-run economic help: an Attorney, a chance to maintain custody of the children, potential child support, and alimony,” according to one of the Researchers, Amy Farmer, Associate Professor of Economics in the University of Arkansas’ Sam M. Walton College of Business.

Frazier Park
Thursdays 9:30 am - 3:30 pm
Mountain Communities Family Resource Center
3015 Mt. Pinos Way

Shafter
1st and 3rd Monday 9:30 am – 4:00 pm
Supervisor Jon McQuiston’s Office
329 Central Valley Hwy.

Delano
2nd and 4th Monday 9:30 am – 4:00 pm
Delano Community Connection Center
1842 Norwalk Street

Taft
(Every Other) Thursday 9:30 am - 3:30 pm 
Alpha House
207  7th  Street

Lamont/Weedpatch
Tuesdays & Thursdays 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Lamont/Weedpatch Family Resource Center
7839 Burgundy Ave.

Bakersfield
Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Greater Bakersfield Legal Assistance, Inc.
615 California Ave.

For More Information

While we strive to be consistent, locations and times of service in the areas outside of Bakersfield may change due to unexpected emergencies (and/or limited resources).

GBLA also offers legal services for victims of domestic violence in other areas of Kern County (like Ridgecrest) and for victims who do not have children ages 0-5.  Please call the project at (661) 334-4673 for more information.

Need More Information?  
Please call the Domestic Violence Reduction Project:

This Project Protects Children & Helps End The Cycle of Violence

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (2011):

Witnessing violence between one’s parents or caretakers is the strongest risk factor of transmitting violent behavior from one generation to the next…

Boys who witness domestic violence are twice as likely to abuse their own partners and children when they become adults.