Domestic Violence Resources

If you are in immediate danger, call 911

  • Call 1.800.799.SAFE to help, or o to thehotline.org to chat, call or text.

    IF YOU ARE IN IMMEDIATE DANGER CALL 911

  • Available weekdays 9am-5pm EST. Services are available for all victims of crime in the United States and its territories. Visitors to the hotline receive strength-based and trauma-informed services and referrals in over 200 languages. National Center for Victims of Crime

  • RAINN is committed to supporting survivors of sexual violence, cultivating communities of anti-sexual violence activism, and promoting policies that deliver justice and hold perpetrators accountable. RAINN.ORG

  • Domesticshelters is the largest online and mobile searchable directory of domestic violence programs and shelters in the U.S. and Canada, and a leading source of helpful tools and information for people experiencing and working to end domestic violence.

  • Leaving an abusive situation is dangerous for you and your family, as perpetrators of abuse can escalate in their violent behaviors and controlling tactics if they are aware of your plans to leave. Because of this, please consider implementing a Safety Plan to help improve your safety.  Learn more here.

  • If you know someone in an abusive relationship, your support can make a difference. Some ways you can help here.

SAFETY IS PRIORITY

Leaving an abusive situation is dangerous for you and your family, as perpetrators of abuse can escalate in their violent behaviors and controlling tactics if they are aware of your plans to leave. Because of this, please consider implementing a Safety Plan to help improve your safety. 

Safety Planning is a Critical Step

What is Safety Planning?

  • Safety Planning is a personalized, practical plan to improve your safety while experiencing abuse, preparing to leave an abusive situation, or after you leave. Safety planning can be done with your local service provider and through the National Domestic Violence Hotline. See checklist below or click here.

Where to Get Safety Planning:


To identify local resources or domestic violence services, please visit here to search for services including counseling, financial aid, and legal advocacy available in your area. To identify local domestic violence shelters, please visit domesticshelters.org to search for shelters in your area.  

You can chat, text, or call The National Domestic Violence Hotline.


We acknowledge the barriers to accessing emergency services and the limited resources currently available. To help, you can follow these steps to create your own personal safety plan. 


BE AWARE OF ESCALATION 

Warning signs of escalated abuse include more frequent/intense physical violence, access to weapons, strangulation, extreme jealousy, and suicidal ideation. The Danger Assessment tool helps determine the level of danger a victim of abuse has of being killed by their intimate partner. If you have completed the Danger Assessment on your own, please know that answering “yes” to more than 10 questions is concerning. We recommend you connect with the National Domestic Violence Hotline or local domestic violence service providers in your area to promote your safety. 


We know that recognizing abuse is complex and encourage all people to become familiar with the dynamics of abuse, the patterns of behaviors used by abusers, and the changes in those tactics post-separation.

Creating Your Personal Safety Plan

A safety plan is a personalized, practical guide to improve your safety while experiencing abuse, preparing to leave, or after leaving an abusive situation. Follow these steps to create your personal safety plan.

Checklist: How to Create Your Safety Plan

Use a Safe Computer or Device

  • Ensure the device you are using is not being monitored by your partner.

  • Avoid using work or school computers if they track activity.

  • Learn about online safety and how to prevent tracking.

Identify a Safe Place

  • Choose a secure location where you can go if you need to leave quickly.

  • Consider a trusted friend, family member, shelter, or workplace.

Gather Important Documents

  • Keep copies of IDs, birth certificates, social security cards, and legal documents.

  • Store them in a safe place or with someone you trust.

Prepare an Emergency Bag

  • Pack essentials such as clothes, medications, money, and extra keys.

  • Include any necessary items for children or pets.

Create a Code Word

  • Establish a secret word or phrase to alert trusted people that you need help.

  • Make sure children understand how to use it safely.

Memorize Important Numbers

  • If it’s not safe to keep written contacts, memorize key phone numbers.

  • Include a trusted friend, family member, and emergency hotline.

Plan for Communication Safety

  • Change passwords for email, social media, and banking accounts.

  • Use private browsing or a VPN when searching for resources.

Assess Home Safety

  • Identify escape routes and practice them if possible.

  • Consider installing extra locks, cameras, or motion-sensor lights.

Plan for School & Work Safety

  • Inform trusted coworkers or teachers if necessary.

  • Arrange for someone to escort you to and from work or school.

Keep an Emergency Contact Card

  • Write down key emergency contacts and carry them in a secure place.

  • You can also store them digitally in a secure, hidden location.

Inform a Trusted Person

  • Share your safety plan with someone you trust who can help if needed.

  • Discuss how they can assist in case of an emergency.

Plan for Leaving Safely

  • Avoid telling the abuser in advance.

  • Arrange transportation and a safe place to stay.

  • Consider seeking legal advice regarding protective orders.

Seek Support & Resources

  • Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline (800-799-7233) or text “START” to 88788.

  • Visit domesticshelters.org for local resources and shelter options.

Regularly Review & Update Your Plan

  • Reassess your plan as circumstances change.

  • Make adjustments to improve safety when necessary.

Your safety is the priority. Having a plan in place can save your life and provide a path to freedom.

How to Support Victims of Domestic Violence

If you know someone in an abusive relationship, your support can make a difference. Here’s how you can help:

1. Listen Without Judgment

  • Choose a safe, private place to talk.

  • Express concern: “I’m concerned for your well-being” or I’m worried about your safety.”

  • Let them speak freely and reassure them that you believe them.

2. Offer Emotional Support

  • Remind them they are not alone and do not deserve abuse.

  • Validate their feelings and assure them their emotions are normal.

  • Ask how you can best support them.

3. Share Resources

  • Encourage them to reach out for help.

  • Provide contact information for crisis hotlines, support groups, shelters, and mental health services.

4. Help Create a Safety Plan

  • Work with them to develop a plan to stay safe.

  • Direct them to our Safety Planning page for detailed guidance.

5. Respect Their Decisions

  • Do not pressure them to leave—it is never that simple.

  • Understand that there are many reasons they may stay.

  • Offer support regardless of their choice, without judgment.

Remember:

Your role is to support, not to rescue. Be patient, listen, and let them know you will be there no matter what. Your compassion and understanding can make all the difference.