If you need help now
- In immediate danger, call 911 if you can do so safely.
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233, or text START to 88788. Free support from a live advocate, 24/7; message and data rates may apply.
- The Deaf Hotline: 24/7 ASL video hotline at 855-812-1001.
Private/incognito browsing and closing a tab do not make a visit untraceable. If possible, use a device and account the abusive person cannot access. Changing settings or deleting history may alert them. Read NNEDV Safety Net's browser-safety guidance.
Safety & Protection — Domestic Violence Resources
Domestic violence affects millions of people every year. If you are experiencing abuse — physical, emotional, financial, sexual, or any other form — you are not alone, and it is not your fault. This section provides free, comprehensive information to help you understand your options, protect yourself, and access the resources you need. You can browse these guides without creating an account. External services have their own requirements and privacy practices.
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Guides & Resources
What they are, the different types (emergency, temporary, permanent), questions about applying and any costs, what they cover, and what happens if the abuser violates the order.
Consider practical questions about safer contact, money, children, pets and work while staying, preparing to leave or after leaving. Discuss options with an advocate.
How to find emergency shelters (call 1-800-799-7233), what to expect, transitional housing, Section 8 and VAWA housing protections, and what to do if the shelter is full.
Recognizing financial abuse, planning safer access to bank accounts and account notifications, rebuilding credit, and accessing government benefits (TANF, SNAP, Medicaid).
VAWA protections, immigration relief (U-Visa, T-Visa, VAWA self-petition), workplace protections, custody considerations, address confidentiality programs, and free legal help.
What to say and what not to say, how to support a friend or family member, when to involve authorities, what to do if they go back, and taking care of yourself as a supporter.
Types of stalking (physical, cyberstalking, surveillance), federal and state laws, how to document stalking, protection orders, technology safety, and resources for victims.
How DV affects custody decisions, the best interests standard, supervised visitation, custody modification, protective orders and custody, and free legal aid for survivors.
Types of elder abuse, warning signs, how to report to Adult Protective Services, Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116), financial exploitation, nursing home abuse, and legal protections.
Free and low-cost legal help for survivors: legal aid, lawyer referral services, pro bono programs, DV agencies with legal advocates, and what to do if you cannot afford a lawyer.
What You Should Know
- You can start where you are. Ask an advocate about options while staying, leaving, or deciding what to do. You are not responsible for another person's abuse.
- Confirm the service you need. Ask about current space, fees, eligibility, documents, language and disability access. A referral does not reserve a shelter bed or guarantee legal representation.
- Plan a safer contact method. Calls, texts, shared accounts and saved plans can leave information someone else can access. Consider these risks before contacting a service or saving details.
- Check legal questions for your circumstances. Custody, relocation, immigration and protection orders require advice about the applicable rules; this directory cannot determine your legal options.
- Keep a backup option. Ask what to try if the first provider cannot help, and who can assist with transport or other immediate needs.
Related Resources on SecondChanceInfo
Rebuilding your life after abuse touches many areas. These guides can help with the practical next steps.
- Second chance apartments by city
Review housing searches, program rules and application questions.
- Second chance bank accounts
Compare account terms and questions to ask before applying.
- SNAP / food stamps guide
Review applications, household rules and expedited SNAP screening.
- Documents & ID guides
Replace lost or missing identification documents.
- Lifeline eligibility and service costs
Compare service assistance and the temporary survivor route; plan account access and privacy separately.
- Utility shutoff protections
Check local disconnection rules and who to contact before shutoff.
- Expungement by state
Explore state record-relief routes and eligibility.
- Companies that hire people rebuilding their lives
Find employers that offer second chances.
Ways to reach support
- In immediate danger, call 911 if you can do so safely.
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233, or text START to 88788. Free support from a live advocate, 24/7; message and data rates may apply.
- The Deaf Hotline: 24/7 ASL video hotline at 855-812-1001.
- National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 800-656-4673.
- Crisis Text Line: text HOME to 741741 for U.S. support, 24/7. Message and data rates may apply.