The National Domestic Violence Helpline is always reachable via phone call and text. However, there are several online and local support networks for victims and survivors who need help immediately.
What can a local support network do for me?
Generally, one support network cannot provide everything you need. But they are connected and resources to point you to where you can find free help for what they cannot provide.
That said, the services of a local support network include, but is not limited to:
- Provide temporary shelter, warm food, and clothing.
- If you have a child, your local support network will help you find a safe place.
- Your support network will help you decide what feels right for you.
- Helping you if you decide to take legal action against your abuser.
- Helping you find affordable housing and healthcare.
- Helping you find help for mental health issues.
- Helping you find a job.
- Getting a loan to increase your credit score
- Being there for you to talk in the middle of a personal crisis.
Your local support network offers free, compassionate, and confidential support. Help is available whenever you need it. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline to find a local support network (800) 799-7233.
If you prefer to visit the website on www.thehotline.org/, there is a live chat box where you can talk with a human being.
You can also go through this list of support networks:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Phone: (800) 273-TALK (8255)
Available 24/7. This helpline connects you with a local crisis center where an experienced person will provide confidential support if you have suicidal thoughts or emotional distress.
Crisis Text Line
Text “HOME” to 741741
This helpline is made for teenagers and persons who are more comfortable with texting. The Crisis Text Line is free and confidential to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline
Phone: (800) 4-A-Child; (800) 422-4453
If your partner abuses your child during an abusive episode, contact this 24/7 hotline where professional counselors will help you find help and emergency care/social services. The helpline is accessible in over 170 languages. Someone speaks your language.
National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)
Phone: (800) 931-2237
If domestic abuse is causing you to stress-eat or struggle with unhealthy eating habits, find help at NEDA. The helpline offers phone and chat support and quick access to a crisis text line if needed.
Rape Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN)
Phone: (800) 656-HOPE (4673)
With both phone and online chat options, a trained staff directs you to a local health facility for survivors of sexual assault. The website also has resources for healing, recovery, and long-term support.
Hope Recovery
Phone: (765) 505-8908
Hope Recovery is a nonprofit organization providing support for adult survivors of abuse and sexual trauma, regardless of socio-religious background and gender affiliation. Victims and survivors can participate in online discussions, workshops and interact with other victims and survivors of domestic violence.
Fort Refuge
Email: admin@fortrefuge.com
If you are over 16 and a survivor of domestic abuse, you will find a community and support group at Fort Refuge. Anyone, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, or past, is welcome to become a member.
You will also have access to articles, documentaries, recommendations, and poetry by survivors of abuse, and you are welcome to share yours. Fort Refuge is run by survivors and for survivors.
Domestic Shelters
Domestic Shelters’ private social media groups extend an online community feeling to survivors and victims of domestic violence. Members can share their thoughts, past experiences, and unedited stories about their experiences.
The organization also has the most extensive online database of domestic violence programs and shelters in the United States. Victims and survivors of abuse can find resources and articles to help them understand abuse, make safety plans, and heal.
Love Is Respect
Phone: (866) 331-9474
Text: LOVEIS to 22522
Love Is Respect is an extension of the National Domestic Violence Helpline but designed for ages 13 to 26. Victims, survivors, and really, anyone with a question about their relationship have 24/7 access to text, call, or live chat with trained advocates.
WomensLaw
WomensLaw.org provides legal information to anyone who reaches out with legal questions or concerns regarding domestic violence, and sexual violence. Victims and survivors of abuse will also find state-specific legal information and resources to relevant questions. WomensLaw is part of the National Network To End Domestic Violence.
Tahirih Justice Center
Phone: (571) 282-6161
The Tahirih Justice Center is a national non-profit support network for women and girls who have left abusive partners but face obstacles to justice. This demographic of persons include immigrant women and minority women.
No More
No More is a coalition of advocacy groups, service providers, governmental agencies, major corporations, universities, communities, and individuals. All of these entities share the common goal of advocating for an end to domestic violence. Survivors of domestic violence can join its advocacy and campaign programs to help victims. Likewise, victims of abuse will find tools and resources from organizations offering lifesaving services.
Hot Peaches Page
Hot Peaches does not provide direct support. This website provides access to a state-by-state directory of domestic violence agencies in the country. If you are going outside the country, you can also use their international directory to find help.
National Network To End Domestic Violence
The Network does not provide direct service or support. However, it partners with various organizations to provide aid to victims of domestic violence. The National Network also runs the Independence Project to help survivors of domestic abuse boost their credit score through micro-lending.