What We Do
Marjaree Mason Center provides emergency and longer-term Safe Housing, along with a wide variety of support services for victims of domestic violence in Fresno County.
Legal Advocacy
The Marjaree Mason Center provides a variety of services including legal advocacy, court accompaniment, education and other services to victims of domestic violence.
The Marjaree Mason Center has victim advocates co-located at the Fresno Sheriff’s Office and the Fresno Police Department. These advocates contact victims who have reported domestic violence to these agencies. Advocates offer clients crisis intervention, support, education on the criminal justice system, safety planning, and connect them with community resources.
This class is free and open to the community. It is held every Thursday and begins promptly at 10am at MMC’s administration building in downtown Fresno. The first portion of the class is informational and provides an overview of various types of restraining orders, the criminal justice system, safety planning, and services available. The second portion of the class walks clients through filling out a request for a Temporary Domestic Violence Restraining Order.
The court process can be overwhelming for those seeking a restraining order. Victim Advocates attend restraining order hearings with clients. For many victims, their abusers control the finances and are able to obtain attorneys. Advocates create a more level playing field by keeping victims informed of their legal options. If you are seeking accompaniment to your restraining order hearing, you can contact our administration office at (559) 237-4706.
For clients seeking restraining orders with more complicated legal issues, advocates may refer to Project First Step attorney. Project First step is a program where pro bono attorneys represent clients at their restraining order hearings. This service is provided in partnership with Central California Legal Services, Inc.