Family Court Services – Domestic Violence
Phone: (415) 444-7090
Email: familymediation@marincourt.org
Location: Civic Center, Hall of Justice, Room 113
Office Hours: 8:00am - 4:00pm


Mediation when Domestic Violence is Alleged

Domestic Violence may occur in many forms between two people in an intimate relationship. Physical violence includes kicking, punching, shoving, slapping or any other physical acts. Sexual violence includes unwelcome touching, fondling or forced intimacy. Emotional violence includes using coercion, threats or anger to create a controlling and fearful relationship.

Parents must notify Family Court Services if there has been a history of domestic violence or if there is a concern about potential domestic violence

The presence of domestic violence is ALWAYS harmful to children and inappropriate in all families! Children who have witnessed or overheard severe or repeated incidents of violence involving their parents are likely to be traumatized. These children are at risk for developing emotional, behavioral and social problems. Even those children who do not directly witness the abuse are affected by the climate of violence in their homes and are likely to experience impaired development and socialization skills.

Even very young children and infants are negatively affected by domestic violence. For these reasons, children - as well as adults - need to be protected from exposure to threats of violence or actual violence by a parent, caretaker, or other adults. Please be advised that mediators are required by law to report instances or suspicion of child abuse.

Separate Mediation in Cases in which Domestic Violence is Alleged

Where there has been a history of domestic violence or fear of potential violence, a parent has a right to request to meet separately with the mediator. These requests should be made in advance so that the mediator is ready to accommodate them.

Support Person Present in Mediation

Where there has been a history of domestic violence or fear of potential violence, a parent has a right to bring a support person to the mediation session. The request to bring a support person must be made in advance. The support person must be willing to abide by the process of the mediation.

Exclusion of Support Person from Mediation

A mediator may exclude a support person from a mediation session if:

  • The support person attempts to participate in the mediation session;
  • The support person acts as an advocate for the victim in a mediation session;
  • The support person's presence disrupts the process of the mediation; or
  • The support person's actions disrupt the mediation session.

Other safety considerations

Upon request, a parent may request an escort off the premises of the courthouse following an appointment at Family Court Services. The addresses and phone numbers of parents alleging domestic violence will be kept confidential by Family Court Services staff.

When parents are involved in domestic violence, both the victim and the abuser are encouraged to seek professional counseling assistance. Children exposed to domestic violence should also receive counseling. Some local agencies which specialize in providing services for families of domestic violence are listed in Community Resources.