Skip to main content
US Criminal Defense.org
Menu

California legal term

Domestic violence shelter in California Criminal Law

Current through 2026 California legislative session

In California criminal law, “Domestic violence shelter” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the California criminal code.

What does “Domestic violence shelter” mean in California criminal law?

“Domestic violence shelter” means a confidential location that provides emergency housing on a 24-hour basis for victims of sexual assault, spousal abuse, or both, and their families. (Cal. Penal Code § 273.7)

Statutes defining or using this term

Related terms in the same statutes

This reference is informational and is not legal advice.