// resources & support

Get Help

You don't have to figure this out alone. Trained advocates are available 24/7, completely free and confidential. Reaching out doesn't mean you have to do anything — you can just talk.

If you need help right now

If you are in immediate physical danger, call 911. For emotional support, safety planning, or to talk to someone who understands, these hotlines are free, confidential, and available right now.

National DV Hotline
1-800-799-7233 Text START to 88788 thehotline.org
24/7 · confidential · safety planning
Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741 crisistextline.org
24/7 · text-only · any crisis
Emergency Services
Call 911
immediate danger only
// what to expect when you call
Confidential
Hotline advocates are trained to keep your conversation private. You don't have to give your name.
Non-judgmental
Advocates won't pressure you to leave, judge your choices, or tell you what to do. They support whatever you decide.
No commitment required
You can call just to talk. You don't have to be ready to leave or take any action. Just talking is enough.
Local referrals
National hotlines can connect you to local shelters, legal advocates, financial resources, and therapists in your area.

Finding a Trauma-Informed Therapist

Not all therapists are trained in trauma or domestic abuse. Finding the right fit matters — here's where to start.

What to look for

Ask if the therapist has experience with domestic violence, coercive control, or complex trauma (C-PTSD). Modalities that are specifically effective include EMDR, CPT (Cognitive Processing Therapy), and Somatic Experiencing.

Directories

If cost is a barrier

Many DV organizations offer free counseling. Community mental health centers often provide sliding-scale fees. Some therapists offer pro bono slots — it's worth asking directly. You can also look into whether your insurance covers outpatient mental health (which therapy falls under).

Online therapy options

BetterHelp and Talkspace offer online therapy with licensed therapists. While convenience is a plus, verify the therapist has trauma-specific training before starting. The DV Hotline can provide more targeted referrals for free.

Legal Resources

You have legal rights. Protective orders, divorce proceedings, custody arrangements, and immigration status are all areas where legal help is available — often for free.

Protective orders

A protective order (also called a restraining order) is a legal document requiring your abuser to stay away from you. It can cover your home, workplace, and children's school. You can apply for one at your local courthouse — DV advocates can help you through the process. Violating a protective order is a criminal offense.

Free legal help

  • WomensLaw.org Legal Email Hotline: womenslaw.org — free legal information by email
  • LawHelp.org: lawhelp.org — state-by-state legal aid directory
  • National Legal Aid & Defender Association: nlada.org
  • Local DV organizations often have staff attorneys or legal advocate partnerships

Documenting abuse for legal purposes

Courts respond to documented patterns. Save screenshots of threatening messages (with timestamps visible). Write dated accounts of incidents in a private journal. The PatternMatch journal export can provide a timestamped record. Store documentation somewhere your abuser cannot access.

Immigration status concerns

If your immigration status is connected to your abuser, you still have legal options. The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) allows certain immigrants to self-petition for legal status independently of their abuser. The National DV Hotline can connect you with legal advocates who specialize in immigration and DV.