Every 3 seconds, someone in the United States experiences intimate partner violence. By adulthood, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will have a history that includes at least one episode of severe violence from a partner, according to statistics compiled by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
Getting out of abusive relationships is challenging and may feel impossible, but help is out there. Abuse support services can help with everything from alternative housing to legal representation.
Call a domestic abuse hotline to connect with local resources and find a safe place to start planning for a violence-free future. No one should be forced to live in fear, and with the right domestic violence help, you can leave that situation in the past.
Domestic Abuse Hotline Resources
- The National Domestic Violence Hotline
The National Domestic Violence Hotline offers trained counselors and assistance through local referral programs. Wait times can sometimes be long, but it’s available 24-7 via phone, chat or text. NDVH knows that internet usage can be monitored, which may be part of the abuse you’re experiencing. This is why the website is designed for quick closing and includes current estimated wait times to give you the best idea of when to call for help.
Call: (800) 799-SAFE (7233)
Text: START to 88788 - National Dating Abuse Helpline
Catching abuse early in the process is critical to avoiding extreme expressions of partner violence. The National Dating Abuse Helpline is designed for those newer to dating and relationships. Visit the website to learn more about what healthy relationships look like and for help identifying abusive behavior. The youth helpline offered is available 24/7/365 and focuses on services for minors and new adults.
(866) 331-9474 - National Child Abuse Hotline/Childhelp
While most domestic abuse hotlines are focused on helping adults trapped in abusive relationships, children are also at risk. The National Child Abuse Hotline is available 24-7 for both children and concerned adults. It offers crisis intervention services in more than 170 languages so no child calling in goes unheard. Specific programs target groups of at-risk children, including athletes and disabled children. If you’re a child in an abusive home or you’ve noticed signs of abuse or neglect in children, call today for referrals, information and immediate intervention.
(800) 422-4453 - National Sexual Assault Hotline
The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline to give survivors of sexual violence a safe space to connect with ongoing support services and get help navigating the legal framework surrounding these crimes. On the website, survivors can find information about rape and sexual assault laws in all 50 states, along with statutes of limitations and evidentiary standards. Call to speak with a free counselor who can refer you to local service providers who help with trauma or just for an empathic ear to listen. All calls are confidential.
(800) 656-HOPE (4673) - 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
If you’re in an abusive relationship, it can feel hopeless, but a door is waiting to open. Call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) any time you can’t see a way out of your situation. Trained counselors can find help and programs to support you.
988 - National Center for Victims of Crime
Domestic abuse is a crime. The National Center for Victims of Crime helps survivors rebuild their lives free from their past abusers. Services include legal representation, support groups and education. The NCVC also connects you with local resources designed to assist those recovering from all types of domestic abuse, including financial, emotional and mental.
(202) 467-8700
These are just a few of the abuse support services available to anyone in the United States. Those with specific challenges can also find hotlines dedicated to their needs, such as the National Deaf Domestic Violence Hotline or the National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights. Help is out there.
Get a Helping Hand and Find Healing
At the National Mental Health Hotline, we’re available to connect you with local resources and talk about your options for mental health.. Reach out today to get help with staying safe in a treatment center.