Quick answer
DV-101, Description of Abuse, is an optional Judicial Council attachment to form DV-100 when the Describe Abuse section runs out of space. The form is about two pages. For each incident, include the date (an estimate is OK), what happened in your own words, witnesses, and whether you have evidence such as texts, emails, or pictures.
Form guide
DV-101: Description of Abuse (California)
What form DV-101 is, when DV-100 tells you to use it, what to write for each incident, and how it counts toward item 32 on DV-100.
Direct answer
DV-101, Description of Abuse, is an optional attachment to California form DV-100 when items 5, 6, and 7 run out of room. Check the box on DV-100 page 4, attach DV-101 or a separate sheet titled "Describe Abuse," and enter the total page count in item 32. The restrained person receives a copy of DV-100 and any attachments you file with it.
For the full California process with official citations, see How to file a domestic violence restraining order in California.
Steps at a glance
- Check the "need more space" box on DV-100 page 4
- Complete DV-101 or a separate sheet titled Describe Abuse
- Enter the attachment page count in DV-100 item 32
- Sign DV-100 item 33 under penalty of perjury
What DV-101 is and when to use it
Last updated October 28, 2026.
DV-101, Description of Abuse, is an optional Judicial Council form you attach to DV-100 when the Describe Abuse boxes on pages 2 to 4 are full. DV-100 (Rev. January 1, 2025) says you may use form DV-101 or a separate sheet of paper with "Describe Abuse" at the top. The official PDF is about two pages.
The other person gets a copy of what you write on DV-100 and on DV-101 when they are served. CLETS-001 stays confidential. For a walkthrough of each sub-question in items 5, 6, and 7, see the DV-100 Describe Abuse guide.
What to include for each incident
Use the same facts you would enter on DV-100 items 5 to 7. For each incident the form asks for the date (the form says an estimate is OK if you do not know the exact date), who saw or heard it, whether a gun or other weapon was used, any emotional or physical harm, whether police came, details in your own words (text messages, emails, or pictures are listed as examples), and how often it happened.
Write in your own words. This guide explains what each question asks; it does not tell you what facts to include or how a judge will view them.
File DV-101 with DV-100 and count pages in item 32
Turn in DV-101 with your DV-100 packet. On DV-100 item 32, enter how many extra pages you attached. Sign item 33 under penalty of perjury on page 13 of DV-100.
How JusticeOS helps
JusticeOS helps you fill in the forms you choose, at your direction. The guided interview can place your answers on DV-100 and continuation pages when you need more room. It does not write your story or tell you what to include. Free Clerk Check flags blank required fields and missing signatures.
Questions people ask next
What is California form DV-101?
DV-101, Description of Abuse, is an optional Judicial Council attachment to DV-100 when you need more space to describe abuse in items 5, 6, and 7.
Is DV-101 required?
No. Use it only when you run out of room on DV-100 or when you choose to attach a separate Description of Abuse sheet instead.
Will the other person see my DV-101?
Yes. Attachments filed with DV-100 are part of the papers served on the restrained person. CLETS-001 is the confidential form.
What if I use a blank sheet instead of DV-101?
DV-100 allows a separate sheet titled "Describe Abuse." Count those pages in item 32 the same way as DV-101.
Do I need exact dates on DV-101?
The DV-100 instructions say to give an estimate if you do not know the exact date.
Official sources
Open the current source before acting. Court forms and county procedures can change.
Ready for the document step?
Use the guide to understand the process, then review every field before a packet leaves your hands.