What is Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence (also called intimate partner violence) includes any pattern of behavior used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner. It can be physical, emotional, sexual, financial, or psychological. Abuse is never the survivors fault, and help is always available.
Immediate Help
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911 right away. If you cannot safely make a call, consider texting a trusted friend or using a safety app (e.g.,SafeTrek, Circle of 6) that can dispatch help discreetly.
National Hotlines
- National Domestic Violence Hotline thehotline.org 18007997233 (TTY 18007873224)
- National Sexual Assault Hotline rainn.org 18006564673 (TTY 18007994889)
- National Teen Dating Violence Hotline loveisrespect.org 18663319474 (TXT LOVE to 22522)
- Veterans Crisis Line veteranscrisisline.net 18002738255 (Press 1)
- LGBTQ+ Safe Spaces Hotline thetrevorproject.org 18664887386
Legal Assistance
Legal help can protect you from further abuse and secure your rights. Below are free or lowcost resources:
- Legal Aid Society (Nationwide) Find a local office at lawhelp.org
- National Domestic Violence Hotline Legal Help Referral Call 18007997233 and ask for a lawyer referral.
- Womens Law Initiative Provides free legal counsel for survivors of domestic violence. womenlaw.org
- Family Law SelfHelp Centers Most states have free selfhelp resources for filing restraining orders.
Counseling & Support
Healing from abuse is a process. Professional counseling, peer support groups, and online forums can help you regain confidence and rebuild a life free from violence.
- RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) Confidential counseling referrals. Call 18006564673.
- Domestic Violence Support Groups Search for local groups via Meetup or ask at your nearest domesticviolence shelter.
- Psychology Today Therapist Finder Filter by Domestic Violence specialty and slidingscale fees.
- Online Support Communities 7 Cups, SupportGroups.com, and the subreddit r/DomesticViolence offer moderated, anonymous spaces.
Safety Planning
A safety plan is a personalized, practical plan that helps you stay safe while you consider your options. Below are key steps to include:
- Identify a safe place you can go in an emergency (friends house, shelter, hotel).
- Pack an emergency bag with copies of IDs, medication, money, and a change of clothes. Keep it hidden.
- Store important phone numbers on a piece of paper in a secure location or on a trusted friends phone.
- Plan how youll leave the home safely (e.g., back door, locked car). Practice if possible.
- Let a trusted neighbor, coworker, or family member know whats happening and ask them to call 911 if they hear a disturbance.
- Set up a code word with close contacts that signals you need help without alerting the abuser.
- Consider legal protections such as restraining orders and document any incidents (photos, messages, medical records).
Many domesticviolence shelters provide safetyplan worksheets. Its also helpful to download an app designed for safety, such as SafeTrek or Circle of 6.
If you need help right now, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 18007997233 or visit their website.
