Legal Aid and Pro Bono Services for Domestic Violence in San Francisco

If you are experiencing domestic violence in San Francisco (or the Bay Area), you may need legal help with restraining orders (Domestic Violence Restraining Orders or DVROs), family law (custody, support, divorce), immigration relief, housing, and safety planning. Fortunately, a number of legal aid and pro bono organizations in the Bay Area are dedicated to helping survivors — often for free or low cost. This guide outlines key providers, what they do, and how to safely access their services.

Key Legal Aid & Pro Bono Providers in San Francisco / Bay Area

1. Bay Area Legal Aid (BayLegal)

Website: baylegal.org
San Francisco Office Phone: (415) 982-1300 Immigration Advocates Network+1
Services:

• Civil legal support for domestic violence survivors, including restraining orders, divorce, custody, child/spousal support, and dissolution. BayLegal

• Immigration legal assistance (VAWA petitions, U-visas, etc.) for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking in collaboration with partner agencies. Immigration Advocates Network

• Works across multiple Bay Area counties (including San Francisco, Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Mateo). Immigration Advocates Network

• Clients often must be referred by a domestic violence or sexual assault agency, court, or law enforcement to their specialized line. Immigration Advocates Network

2. Justice & Diversity Center (JDC) / Bar Association of San Francisco

Website: sfbar.org/jdc The Bar Association of San Francisco+1
Services:

• Free legal help for low-income and homeless residents of San Francisco, including survivors of domestic violence. The Bar Association of San Francisco

• Family Law Project: handles family law, divorce, legal separation, domestic abuse, guardianship, and related issues including domestic violence restraining orders. The Bar Association of San Francisco

• They use volunteer attorneys and staff attorneys to expand reach. The Bar Association of San Francisco

• Legal Advice & Referral Clinic (LARC) offers consultations and referrals. The Bar Association of San Francisco

3. Cooperative Restraining Order Clinic (CROC)

Website: roclinic.org roclinic.org
Services:

• Free legal services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. roclinic.org

• Helps survivors navigate the restraining order process (filing, hearings, court representation). roclinic.org

• Represents survivors in civil restraining order proceedings, including cases involving non-intimate partners (e.g. stalking) if eligible. roclinic.org

• Offers crime victim representation (asserting victim rights before, during, and after criminal cases). roclinic.org

4. Open Door Legal

Website: opendoorlegal.org Open Door Legal
Services:

• Their Family & Security team works to protect survivors in unsafe relationships through family law and safety rights enforcement. Open Door Legal

• Provides representation and legal advocacy in domestic violence, child custody, guardianship, and safety-related family matters. Open Door Legal

5. San Francisco Superior Court – ACCESS (Self-Help) Center

Website: sf.courts.ca.gov/access-legal-self-help-center San Francisco Superior Court
Services:

• Provides self-help legal information and referrals for family law, restraining orders, and other civil matters. San Francisco Superior Court

• Cannot act as your attorney or give personalized legal advice, but helps you understand procedures, forms, and referrals. San Francisco Superior Court

6. Additional Legal / Immigration Resources

• Asian Pacific Islander Legal Outreach (APILO) — offers immigration legal services including VAWA, U-visa, and supports survivors in language-access communities. Get Immigration Help+1

• AIDS Legal Referral Panel (ALRP) — offers immigration legal services for survivors (among other services) including for victims of domestic violence. Get Immigration Help

• Immigration Center for Women and Children (ICWC) — focuses on immigration relief for women and children impacted by domestic violence and crime. Justia+1

• San Francisco’s Gender-Based Violence Resources — city directory of nonprofits and government agencies supporting survivors. San Francisco Government

• San Francisco Sheriff’s Office — supports victims by serving restraining orders free of charge and operating a survivor restoration program. San Francisco Sheriff's Office

How to Access Legal Help Safely

• Use a private or incognito browser (especially if you fear monitoring).

• Call from a safe phone line (not your abuser’s phone) or ask for a callback option.

• Ask whether remote or virtual intake is available instead of in-person visits.

• Bring or securely upload evidence (photos, messages, police reports) when safe to do so.

• When you visit in person, choose safer times (daylight), bring someone you trust or use public transportation.

• After contacting legal resources, clear browser history or call logs if safe.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Are these legal services free?
Yes. Many of the organizations listed offer free legal help for domestic violence survivors. Some use volunteer attorneys, staff attorneys, or full pro bono programs.

2. Do I need to live in San Francisco to get help?
Some programs focus on city residents; others (like BayLegal) serve multiple Bay Area counties. Ask each provider about their geographic eligibility. Immigration Advocates Network+1

3. Can undocumented or noncitizen survivors get help?
Yes — some of the organizations above (BayLegal, APILO, ICWC) specifically handle immigration relief (VAWA, U-Visa, etc.) for survivors regardless of status. Immigration Advocates Network+2Get Immigration Help+2

4. How soon can I get a restraining order (DVRO)?
With legal clinic support (e.g. CROC) or pro bono assistance, some restraining orders may be filed quickly. But processing time depends on court schedules and case specifics.

5. What documents should I bring or prepare?
If safe, bring: police or incident reports, photos, text/email messages, medical/counseling records, witness contacts, identification, housing/lease documents, and any court papers relevant to your case.

6. What if I don’t qualify for one of these programs?
If your income or location does not make you eligible for certain programs, you may get referrals to pro bono clinics, modest-means programs, or self-help resources via the ACCESS Center.

Conclusion

San Francisco and the Bay Area have strong networks of legal aid, pro bono clinics, and self-help resources to support survivors of domestic violence. Whether you need a restraining order, help with custody, divorce, or immigration relief, these organizations are dedicated to helping you access justice and rebuild safety. Reach out early — you don’t have to face this alone.