8 Best Resources for Domestic Violence Help in 2025

Domestic violence can happen in any intimate relationship and include physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. In the United States, even though about 1 in 3 women — and 1 in 10 men — experience domestic violence, most don’t seek help for it.

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That’s why it’s so important to recognize the signs of abuse and know how to reach out for help. According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, the following behaviors by a partner can be signs of an abusive relationship:

• Blaming you anytime something goes wrong
• Demeaning you, either privately or in front of other people
• Controlling how you act or what you wear
• Threatening or harming you, family members, or pets
• Embarrassing you at work or sabotaging your ability to get work done

“The decision when to seek help is a very personal one,” says Christine Murray, PhD, director of the Center for Youth, Family, and Community Partnerships at the University of North Carolina in Greensboro. “For example, their partner may have told them that they’d hurt or kill them if they told anyone about the abuse,” she says.

When you’re ready to get help — whether you need counseling, legal advice, relocation services, or other assistance — there are many organizations and professionals available. Some groups can provide a victim advocate to help you navigate the system or find shelter. Here are a few resources you can use.

These organizations and websites offer information about domestic violence and can provide help online or in person.

National Coalition Against Domestic Violence

The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) is an organization that supports survivors of domestic violence during both immediate and long-term crises. The organization can help people find emergency shelter, financial support, medical services, restraining orders, and support groups.

The NCADV aims to hold abusers accountable while also engaging in advocacy to help change the conditions that contribute to domestic violence, such as patriarchal attitudes, classism, racism, sexism, and various kinds of privilege.

National Domestic Violence Hotline

The National Domestic Violence Hotline offers a free around-the-clock hotline for people who are in an abusive situation and need help. You can use live chat for a confidential, online conversation with an advocate or dial 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) to reach the hotline by phone. You can also text “START” to 88788 to get help.

On its website, you can get a better understanding of abusive behaviors and read personal stories of survival.

Love Is Respect

Love Is Respect is a project of the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Its website offers an online chat and relationship quizzes, as well as information about setting boundaries and understanding consent. You can reach this organization by phone at 1-866-331-9474 or by texting “LOVEIS” to 22522.

RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Online Hotline

The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network’s hotline is confidential and provides live help for survivors of domestic violence from trained support specialists. You can find local referrals for long-term support, as well as information about resources and laws in your area. Chat with a member of their staff online, or call 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).

National Network to End Domestic Violence

The National Network to End Domestic Violence offers a variety of resources for people experiencing domestic violence, including a survivors toolkit for technology safety and the Independence Program, which helps survivors improve their credit scores.

Safe Horizon

Safe Horizon is the largest group in the country that helps survivors of violence. It provides assistance to more than 250,000 children, adults, and families in New York City each year. It also offers legal help, relocation services, and counseling. To reach the 24-hour hotline, call 1-800-621-HOPE (4673). Not sure what to expect when you reach out? Here’s a guide on calling.

WomensLaw.org

WomensLaw.org provides legal help from experts and information about state laws pertaining to domestic violence. Check out its national directory of advocates and shelters, as well as resources for finding a lawyer who provides free or low-cost services to victims of domestic violence.

Pandora’s Project

Pandora’s Project is a nonprofit group staffed by volunteers who are survivors of sexual violence. Its services for victims of sexual abuse include a message board and chat rooms, as well as an article library with stories about breastfeeding after sexual trauma, medical information for rape survivors, and more.

Many domestic violence organizations offer free 24/7 support, and according to Dr. Murray, “Most organizations that support survivors do not require extensive evidence or proof that violence has occurred before they will help.” But she does recommend documenting the abuse and its consequences, in case that information is ever needed for a court case or law enforcement proceedings.

“A video of abuse is likely not often available, but other types of evidence could include threatening voicemails, text messages, or emails, photographs of bruises, and written timelines of abusive incidents,” she says.

Additional ways to document evidence of abuse include seeing your doctor for any physical injuries and reporting the abuse to law enforcement officers, if you feel comfortable doing so.