Finding Safety and Support: A Comprehensive Resource Guide for Domestic Violence Survivors

Domestic Violence Resources 2025: Complete Guide for Victims and Survivors

As we wrap up Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we put together an exhaustive list of resources for victims and survivors.

If you’re reading this, you’ve already taken a courageous first step. Whether you’re currently experiencing abuse, recently left an abusive relationship, or are on your healing journey, you deserve comprehensive support. This guide provides detailed information about resources available to help you find safety, navigate systems, and rebuild your life.

Safety First: If you are in immediate danger, call 911. If you need to quickly exit this page, press the Escape key or click away immediately. Consider using a safer device that your abuser doesn’t have access to, such as a work computer, library computer, or a trusted friend’s phone.

You can, at any time, call our office number or fill out the form on our website and we can connect you with more specific supports and services, but at all times, your safety matters most!

We also want to take a moment to shout out one of our Corporate Donations; The Purple Heart Project. A portion of all our sales and fees go to supporting this fantastic initiative. You can check them out here:

https://redrover.org/the-purple-leash-project/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21765922302&gbraid=0AAAAADnacksUACh97AOaHmSWSgtoELZP6&gclid=CjwKCAjwxfjGBhAUEiwAKWPwDk6rWhNHtoM6SYVbTYUGM8rCc1rI1YxBjcMEQ0wEivPkkYbpsJoDNBoCA0MQAvD_BwE


National Crisis Hotlines and Immediate Support

National Domestic Violence Hotline

Phone: 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE)
TTY: 1-800-787-3224
Text: Text “START” to 88788
Online Chat: Available at thehotline.org
Hours: 24/7/365
Languages: Multiple languages available

The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Trained advocates can help with safety planning, finding local resources, and providing emotional support. All calls and chats are confidential and free.

What They Can Help With:

  • Crisis intervention and emotional support
  • Safety planning customized to your situation
  • Information about local shelters and services
  • Help understanding your options
  • Referrals to local advocates and legal services
  • Support for friends and family members concerned about someone

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN)

Phone: 1-800-656-4673 (HOPE)
Online Chat: Available at online.rainn.org
Hours: 24/7

For survivors who have experienced sexual violence within their relationship, RAINN provides specialized support and can connect you with local sexual assault service providers.

National Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Website: ncadv.org
Provides information, resources, and connections to state coalitions that can help you find local support services.


Specialized Hotlines and Support Services

For LGBTQ+ Individuals

The National LGBT Hotline
Phone: 1-888-843-4564
Hours: Monday-Friday, 4pm-midnight ET, Saturday, 12pm-5pm ET
Online Chat: Available at glbthotline.org

The Trevor Project (for LGBTQ+ Youth under 25)
Phone: 1-866-488-7386
Text: Text “START” to 678-678
Online Chat: Available at thetrevorproject.org
Hours: 24/7

LGBT National Youth Talkline
Phone: 1-800-246-7743
Hours: Monday-Friday, 4pm-midnight ET, Saturday, 12pm-5pm ET

For Culturally Specific Communities

StrongHearts Native Helpline
Phone: 1-844-762-8483 (7NATIVE)
Online Chat: strongheartshelpline.org
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-5:30pm CT
Confidential and anonymous support for Native Americans and Alaska Natives

Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence
Website: api-gbv.org
Resource Directory: Connects survivors to culturally specific resources across the U.S.

National Latin@ Network
Website: nationallatinonetwork.org
Provides resources and technical assistance for Latin@ communities

Institute on Domestic Violence in the African American Community
Website: idvaac.org
Resources and support for African American survivors

Alia Organization (Arab and Middle Eastern Communities)
Phone: 1-888-510-3599

For Deaf and Hard of Hearing Survivors

Deaf Abused Women’s Network (DAWN)
Video Phone: 202-559-5366
Email: hotline@deafdawn.org
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm ET

National Deaf Domestic Violence Hotline
Video Phone: 855-812-1001
Email: ndvh@thedeafhotline.org

For Immigrant Survivors

National Immigration Project of the National Lawyers Guild
Website: nationalimmigrationproject.org
Resources for immigrant survivors including information about VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) protections

Tahirih Justice Center
Website: tahirih.org
Legal services and advocacy for immigrant women and girls fleeing violence

ASISTA Immigration Assistance
Website: asistahelp.org
Technical assistance for advocates working with immigrant survivors

For Male Survivors

National Domestic Violence Hotline
Phone: 1-800-799-7233
Serves all genders and can connect male survivors with appropriate resources

1 in 6 (for male survivors of sexual abuse)
Website: 1in6.org
Online Helpline: Available through website
24/7 anonymous chat-based support

For Older Adults and Elder Abuse

Eldercare Locator
Phone: 1-800-677-1116
Website: eldercare.acl.gov
Connects older adults with local resources for elder abuse

National Center on Elder Abuse
Website: ncea.acf.hhs.gov

For Survivors with Disabilities

Disability Rights Section – Department of Justice
Phone: 1-800-514-0301
TTY: 1-800-514-0383

Abused Deaf Women’s Advocacy Services (ADWAS)
Video Phone: 206-812-1001
Website: adwas.org


Legal Resources and Protection

Legal assistance is crucial for survivors navigating protection orders, custody issues, housing matters, and divorce proceedings. Low-income survivors of domestic violence seek professional legal help for only 23% of their problems, but free legal aid is available.

Finding Free Legal Assistance

Legal Services Corporation
Website: lsc.gov/find-legal-aid
The Legal Services Corporation provides funding to 134 independent nonprofit legal aid organizations in every state, the District of Columbia, and U.S. Territories. Use their online tool to find free civil legal aid in your area.

WomensLaw.org
Email Help: Through website
Provides state-by-state information about protective and restraining orders and child custody laws. Includes detailed legal information, court forms, and how to prepare for court.

National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma & Mental Health
Website: nationalcenterdvtraumamh.org
Resources on the intersection of mental health, trauma, and legal advocacy

What Legal Aid Can Help With

Comprehensive legal services extend beyond representation in emergency and non-emergency protection order hearings to address the broad spectrum of legal issues that victims encounter, including family matters. Legal assistance may include:

Protection Orders: A domestic violence protection order is a court order that prohibits the abuser from contacting or harassing the survivor. Legal aid can help you obtain and enforce these orders.

Family Law Matters:

  • Divorce and separation
  • Child custody and visitation
  • Child support
  • Spousal support/alimony
  • Property division

Housing Issues:

  • Emergency housing protections
  • Lease termination due to domestic violence
  • Eviction defense
  • Housing discrimination
  • Public housing accommodations

Immigration Relief:

  • VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) self-petitions
  • U-visas for crime victims
  • T-visas for trafficking survivors
  • Asylum claims based on domestic violence

Employment Protections:

  • Time off for court appearances
  • Workplace safety planning
  • Wrongful termination claims
  • Unemployment benefits

Financial Matters:

  • Credit repair after economic abuse
  • Debt collection defense
  • Name changes
  • Public benefits applications

State-Specific Legal Resources

Every state has a domestic violence coalition that can connect you with local legal services. Find your state coalition at:

  • National Coalition Against Domestic Violence: ncadv.org/get-help
  • National Network to End Domestic Violence: nnedv.org/get-help

Crime Victim Compensation

Most states offer financial compensation for crime victims to help pay for:

  • Medical and dental care
  • Mental health counseling
  • Lost wages
  • Funeral expenses
  • Crime scene cleanup
  • Relocation costs

Contact your state’s Office of Victim Services or Crime Victim Compensation Program. Find your state program through the National Association of Crime Victim Compensation Boards at nacvcb.org.

Victim Information and Notification (VINE)

VINE allows crime victims to obtain timely and reliable information about criminal cases and the custody status of offenders 24 hours a day. Register at vinelink.com to receive notifications when an offender’s custody status changes.


Emergency Shelter and Housing

Finding Emergency Shelter

Emergency domestic violence shelters provide safe, confidential housing for survivors and their children. Shelters offer:

  • Safe, secure housing (location kept confidential)
  • Meals and basic necessities
  • Case management services
  • Children’s programs and childcare
  • Safety planning
  • Support groups
  • Help finding permanent housing
  • Connections to other services

How to Find Shelter:

  1. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
  2. Contact your state’s domestic violence coalition
  3. Call 211 (United Way) for local resources
  4. Search the National Network to End Domestic Violence database at womenslaw.org/find-help

Important Notes About Shelters:

  • Shelters are confidential—locations are not publicly listed for safety reasons
  • Many shelters are at or over capacity; you may be placed on a waitlist or referred to another facility
  • Some shelters can accommodate pets through partnerships with animal shelters
  • Most shelters can accommodate children of all ages
  • Some programs specifically serve LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrant survivors, or other populations

Transitional and Long-Term Housing

Transitional Housing Programs: Provide housing for 6-24 months while survivors work toward independence. These programs typically include:

  • Affordable rent (often subsidized)
  • Case management
  • Life skills training
  • Employment assistance
  • Childcare support
  • Financial literacy education

Permanent Supportive Housing: For survivors with additional barriers such as disabilities or chronic health conditions.

Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8): Many housing authorities offer emergency transfer procedures for domestic violence survivors. Contact your local public housing authority.

Homeless Prevention Programs: Rapid rehousing assistance may be available through local Continuum of Care programs. Contact your local homeless coalition or housing authority.


Mental Health and Counseling Support

Healing from domestic violence takes time and support. Many survivors experience trauma symptoms including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and complex trauma.

Finding Trauma-Informed Counseling

Types of Therapy Helpful for Survivors:

  • Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
  • Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
  • Psychodynamic therapy
  • Group therapy with other survivors

Finding Affordable Counseling:

SAMHSA National Helpline
Phone: 1-800-662-4357 (HELP)
Website: findtreatment.gov
Free, confidential, 24/7 referral service for mental health and substance use services

Psychology Today Therapist Finder
Website: psychologytoday.com
Filter by insurance, sliding scale fees, specialization in trauma or domestic violence

Open Path Collective
Website: openpathcollective.org
Network of therapists offering sessions for $30-$80

BetterHelp and Talkspace
Online therapy platforms with financial assistance programs

Local Domestic Violence Programs: Many offer free or low-cost counseling specifically for survivors

Community Mental Health Centers: Federally funded centers that provide services on a sliding fee scale. Find yours at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov

Employee Assistance Programs (EAP): If employed, check if your employer offers free counseling sessions through EAP

University Training Clinics: Graduate psychology and social work programs often offer low-cost therapy provided by supervised trainees

Support Groups

Support groups connect you with others who understand your experience. Benefits include:

  • Reduced isolation
  • Validation of experiences
  • Practical advice from others who’ve been there
  • Building community and friendship
  • Learning coping strategies

Find support groups through:

  • Local domestic violence programs
  • The National Domestic Violence Hotline
  • Community mental health centers
  • Faith-based organizations
  • Online platforms (with caution about privacy)

Crisis Mental Health Support

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Phone: 988
Text: Text “HELLO” to 741741 (Crisis Text Line)
Online Chat: Available at 988lifeline.org
24/7 support for mental health crises

SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline
Phone: 1-800-985-5990
Text: Text “TalkWithUs” to 66746


Financial Assistance and Economic Empowerment

Financial abuse and economic dependence keep many survivors trapped. Resources exist to help you achieve financial stability.

Emergency Financial Assistance

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
Provides cash assistance and supportive services. Contact your state’s TANF office. Many states have expedited processes for domestic violence survivors.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Food assistance program. Apply at your local Department of Social Services or online through your state’s SNAP portal.

Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
Provides nutrition support for pregnant women, new mothers, and children under 5. Find local WIC services at fns.usda.gov/wic.

Emergency Financial Assistance Organizations:

  • Modest Needs: modestneeds.org
  • Salvation Army: Contact local chapter for emergency assistance
  • Catholic Charities: catholiccharitiesusa.org (serves people of all faiths)
  • Jewish Family Services: Network of agencies providing emergency assistance
  • United Way: Call 211 for local emergency assistance programs
  • Churches and faith-based organizations often have emergency assistance funds

Utility Assistance:

  • Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
  • Contact utility companies directly about domestic violence protections and payment plans
  • Many states prohibit utility shutoffs for households with domestic violence victims

Building Financial Independence

Financial Education Programs:

  • Local domestic violence programs often offer financial literacy training
  • MyMoney.gov: Federal government’s financial education resources
  • National Endowment for Financial Education: nefe.org
  • Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: consumerfinance.gov

Credit Repair After Economic Abuse:

  • Obtain free credit reports at annualcreditreport.com
  • Document financial abuse for disputes
  • Consider credit freezes to prevent further abuse
  • Work with legal aid on debt incurred through coercion
  • FTC Identity Theft resources: identitytheft.gov

Employment Assistance:

  • American Job Centers: careeronestop.org (search for local centers)
  • Dress for Success: Provides professional clothing and career support
  • Goodwill Career Centers
  • Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs
  • Vocational rehabilitation services for survivors with disabilities

Banking and Financial Safety:

  • Open new bank account at different institution
  • Use paperless statements at safe address
  • Consider prepaid cards for privacy
  • Alert bank to domestic violence situation
  • Change PINs and passwords
  • Enable two-factor authentication
  • Check for tracking apps or keyloggers

Public Benefits

Domestic violence survivors may be eligible for various public benefits:

  • Medicaid health coverage
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for those with disabilities
  • Social Security Survivor Benefits
  • Childcare subsidies
  • Housing assistance
  • Legal services funding

Contact your state’s Department of Social Services or call 211 to learn about available programs.


Safety Planning and Technology Safety

Creating a Safety Plan

A safety plan is a personalized strategy to keep you safe. Work with an advocate to develop your plan, which might include:

If You’re Still in the Relationship:

  • Identify safe areas of the home to go during incidents
  • Identify exits from home and other locations
  • Keep phone accessible at all times
  • Teach children how to call 911
  • Identify safe people who can help
  • Keep copies of important documents
  • Put aside emergency money
  • Plan where you can go
  • Pack a go-bag with essentials

When Preparing to Leave:

  • Change routines so abuser cannot predict whereabouts
  • Open new bank account
  • Change passwords
  • Prepare children without alarming them
  • Decide who can know your plans
  • Save evidence of abuse (photos, medical records, police reports)
  • Review technology safety
  • Plan for pets

After Leaving:

  • Change locks if you stay in shared home
  • Get protection order
  • Inform school, employer, childcare about situation
  • Vary routes and routines
  • Screen calls
  • Save evidence of violations or stalking
  • Plan what to do if you encounter abuser
  • Continue safety planning with advocate

Technology Safety and Digital Privacy

Abusers increasingly use technology for surveillance, harassment, and control. Protect yourself:

Phone Safety:

  • Check for stalkerware/spyware (unusual battery drain, data usage, unfamiliar apps)
  • Get new phone if possible
  • Factory reset may not remove sophisticated spyware
  • Turn off location services
  • Disable sharing features
  • Review app permissions
  • Be cautious with shared accounts or family plans
  • Consider a second “safe” phone for support services

Computer Safety:

  • Use devices abuser doesn’t have access to for sensitive activities
  • Clear browser history and cookies
  • Use private/incognito browsing
  • Assume abuser can see activity on shared devices
  • Change passwords on secure device
  • Enable two-factor authentication
  • Check for keyloggers or monitoring software
  • Create new email account abuser doesn’t know

Social Media Safety:

  • Adjust privacy settings to maximum
  • Review who can see posts and location
  • Remove abuser and their friends/family from all platforms
  • Be cautious about what you share publicly
  • Consider deactivating temporarily
  • Disable location tagging
  • Review old posts that reveal information about patterns, locations, or plans
  • Tell trusted friends not to tag you or share your information

Smart Home Devices:

  • Change passwords for all smart home devices
  • Review who has access
  • Consider disconnecting or replacing devices abuser set up
  • Be aware of smart TVs, thermostats, locks, cameras, speakers
  • Abuser may receive alerts about your activities

Car Safety:

  • Check for GPS tracking devices (under car, in wheel wells, dashboard)
  • Review built-in GPS services
  • Abuser may track through vehicle’s connected services
  • Contact manufacturer about removing abuser’s access

For Detailed Technology Safety Help:

  • National Network to End Domestic Violence – Safety Net Project: techsafety.org
  • Consumer Reports Security Planner: securityplanner.consumerreports.org

Children and Parenting After Abuse

Support for Children

Children who witness or experience domestic violence need specialized support:

Counseling for Children:

  • Trauma-focused therapy
  • Play therapy for younger children
  • Group therapy with other children who’ve experienced violence
  • Family therapy (without abusive parent)

School-Based Support:

  • Inform school counselor about situation (with appropriate safety measures)
  • Request school-based counseling
  • Develop safety plan at school
  • Address any learning or behavioral impacts

Childcare Assistance:

  • Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) provides childcare subsidies
  • Head Start programs for preschool children
  • After-school programs
  • YMCA and community programs (often offer scholarships)

Custody and Visitation Issues

Navigating co-parenting with an abuser is complex and dangerous. Seek legal assistance from:

  • Domestic violence legal programs
  • Legal aid organizations
  • Family law facilitator at courthouse
  • Lawyer referral services through state bar association

Protective Measures:

  • Document all abuse, including impact on children
  • Request supervised visitation
  • Request exchange at police station or supervised exchange center
  • Include domestic violence provisions in custody orders
  • Keep detailed records of violations
  • Never agree to custody arrangements without legal advice

Parenting Plans:

  • Use detailed, specific language
  • Minimize direct contact with abuser
  • Use communication apps designed for co-parenting (Our Family Wizard, TalkingParents)
  • Keep all communication brief, business-like, focused on children

Healthcare and Medical Assistance

Accessing Healthcare

Affordable Care Act Marketplace
Website: healthcare.gov
Phone: 1-800-318-2596
Leaving an abusive relationship qualifies as a special enrollment period for health insurance.

Medicaid
Many survivors qualify for Medicaid. Apply through your state’s Medicaid office or healthcare.gov.

Community Health Centers
Provide healthcare on a sliding fee scale. Find centers at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov.

Planned Parenthood
Provides reproductive healthcare, STI testing, and general health services on a sliding scale.

Free and Charitable Clinics
Find clinics at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov or freeclinics.com.

Medical Documentation

If you’ve experienced physical or sexual assault:

  • Seek medical care immediately
  • Medical records serve as evidence
  • Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) programs provide specialized care
  • You can receive a medical forensic exam without filing a police report
  • Most states cover costs of forensic exams

Dental Care

Domestic violence often results in dental injuries. Low-cost dental care:

  • Dental schools (significant discounts for student clinics)
  • Community health centers
  • Mission of Mercy free dental clinics
  • Dental Lifeline Network: dentallifeline.org (free care for vulnerable people)

Education and Career Development

Continuing Education

Federal Student Aid for Survivors:

  • May be eligible for independent student status
  • FAFSA accommodations for abusive situations
  • Work with financial aid office about your situation

Scholarships for Survivors:

  • Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award
  • Patsy Mink Education Support Award
  • Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund
  • State-specific domestic violence survivor scholarships
  • Local community foundation scholarships
  • University-specific emergency aid

Community Colleges and Trade Schools:

  • Lower cost than four-year institutions
  • Faster path to employment
  • Evening and online options
  • Childcare often available
  • Financial aid and emergency funds

Job Training and Placement

American Job Centers
Find centers at careeronestop.org
Offer free services including:

  • Resume assistance
  • Interview preparation
  • Job search support
  • Skills assessment
  • Training referrals
  • Career counseling

Workforce Development Programs:

  • Job Corps (ages 16-24): jobcorps.gov
  • YouthBuild programs
  • Apprenticeship programs
  • Adult education and GED programs
  • English as a Second Language (ESL) classes

Industry-Specific Training:

  • Healthcare: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Medical Assistant
  • Technology: Coding bootcamps, IT certifications
  • Skilled trades: Electrical, plumbing, HVAC
  • Transportation: Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)

Immigration Resources for Survivors

Immigrant survivors have specific legal protections and may be eligible for immigration relief.

Legal Protections

Violence Against Women Act (VAWA): Allows certain abused immigrants to self-petition for lawful permanent residence without abuser’s involvement.

U-Visa: For crime victims who have suffered substantial abuse and are helpful to law enforcement.

T-Visa: For survivors of human trafficking.

Asylum: May be available based on persecution, including domestic violence in some circumstances.

Immigration Legal Services

Tahirih Justice Center
Website: tahirih.org
Legal services for immigrant women and girls fleeing violence

National Immigrant Women’s Advocacy Project
Website: niwap.org
Resources and technical assistance

Immigrant Legal Resource Center
Website: ilrc.org
Training and resources for advocates

Catholic Legal Immigration Network (CLINIC)
Website: cliniclegal.org
Network of immigration legal services nationwide

Important: You do not need to have immigration status to access most domestic violence services. Many shelters, hotlines, and support services serve survivors regardless of immigration status.


Pet Safety and Resources

Many survivors delay leaving because they fear for their pets’ safety. Resources exist to help.

Pet-Friendly Domestic Violence Programs

Safe Havens Mapping Project
Website: safehavensforpets.org
Database of domestic violence shelters that accommodate pets and fostering programs

RedRover Relief
Website: redrover.org/relief
Emergency assistance for pets of domestic violence survivors, including:

  • Temporary foster care while you’re in shelter
  • Financial assistance for pet care
  • Safe housing grants for programs

Urban Resource Institute (URI) – People and Animals Living Safely (PALS)
First domestic violence shelter in the U.S. to co-locate pet sheltering

Planning for Pets

  • Include pets in safety plan
  • Microchip pets in your name
  • Keep veterinary records
  • Take photos of pets with you
  • Bring pet supplies in go-bag
  • Ask advocate about pet fostering programs
  • Never return to dangerous situation for pet—ask for police escort

Rebuilding and Long-Term Recovery

Healing is Not Linear

Recovery from domestic violence takes time. Be patient with yourself. Healing might include:

  • Grief for the relationship you hoped for
  • Processing trauma
  • Rebuilding self-esteem
  • Learning to trust again
  • Addressing any substance use that developed as coping
  • Developing healthy relationship skills
  • Creating new identity separate from abuse

Support for Long-Term Recovery

Survivor-Led Organizations
Many organizations are led by survivors who understand the journey:

  • National Survivor Network: nationalsurvivornetwork.org
  • Survivor Justice Project
  • Voices and Faces Project
  • Local survivor groups through DV programs

Peer Support
Connecting with others who’ve been through similar experiences can be invaluable:

  • Survivor mentorship programs
  • Peer support groups
  • Online communities (be cautious about privacy)
  • Survivor-led advocacy opportunities

Self-Care and Wellness
Prioritize your well-being:

  • Physical activity and movement
  • Mindfulness and meditation apps
  • Creative expression (art, writing, music)
  • Nature and outdoor time
  • Healthy sleep habits
  • Nutrition
  • Activities you enjoy

For Friends, Family, and Allies

If someone you care about is experiencing domestic violence:

Do:

  • Believe them
  • Listen without judgment
  • Respect their choices and timeline
  • Offer specific help (“I can watch the kids Saturday” vs. “Let me know if you need anything”)
  • Learn about resources
  • Create safety plan together if they want
  • Continue to reach out even if they stay
  • Document what you witness
  • Be patient

Don’t:

  • Blame them or criticize their choices
  • Pressure them to leave before they’re ready
  • Confront the abuser
  • Talk to the abuser on their behalf without permission
  • Post about the situation on social media
  • Tell them what to do
  • Give up on them

Resources for Supporters:

  • National Domestic Violence Hotline can advise supporters
  • REACH Beyond Domestic Violence: reachma.org/for-friends-family
  • Local domestic violence programs often have resources for family and friends

Staying Safe: Important Reminders

  • Leaving an abusive relationship is the most dangerous time. Work with an advocate on safety planning.
  • Trust your instincts. You know your situation best.
  • Abuse is never your fault. Nothing you did caused it, and nothing you can do will fix it.
  • You don’t have to have all the answers or take all the steps at once. Take it one day at a time.
  • Help is available, and you deserve support.
  • Recovery is possible. Many survivors go on to thrive after leaving abuse.

Quick Reference: Essential Phone Numbers

  • Emergency/Immediate Danger: 911
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE)
  • Text “START” to: 88788
  • National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 (HOPE)
  • LGBT National Hotline: 1-888-843-4564
  • StrongHearts Native Helpline: 1-844-762-8483
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
  • SAMHSA Mental Health Helpline: 1-800-662-4357
  • Legal Aid: lsc.gov/find-legal-aid
  • Find Local Resources: Call 211

Final Thoughts

You are not alone. Millions of people have walked this path before you and have found safety, healing, and joy on the other side. The resources listed here are starting points. Reaching out takes courage, and you’ve already shown tremendous strength.

Domestic violence is a crime and a violation of your human rights. You deserve relationships built on respect, trust, and equality. You deserve safety. You deserve support. And you deserve a future free from fear.

Take care of yourself. Be gentle with yourself. And remember: the abuse is not your fault, and you are worthy of help, healing, and happiness.

You deserve to be safe. You deserve to be believed. You deserve to heal.

In need of help?