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.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.
Kelsey M. Latimer, PhD, RN
Medical Reviewer
Kelsey M. Latimer, PhD, RN, is a psychologist, nurse, and certified eating disorder specialist, and is the founder and owner of KML Psychological Services.
Dr. Latimer earned her PhD and master's degree from the University of North Texas, with an emphasis in child and adolescent development and in neuropsychology. Throughout her doctoral training, she became passionate about the prevention and treatment of eating disorders, women's issues, trauma treatment, and anxiety management. She has since overseen several nationally recognized eating disorder treatment programs.
She recently earned a bachelor's in nursing from Florida Atlantic University and is in the process of completing a master's of nursing, with a psychiatric mental health focus, which will allow her to become a medication provider. In addition, she has been accepted into an intensive research training and certification program at Harvard Medical School for 2024.
Latimer's focus is on empowering people to be informed and aware of their health and well-being, which includes increasing access to care. She has made over 50 invited appearances to speak about topics such as body image, dieting downfalls, eating disorder evidence-based treatment, college student functioning, and working with the millennial generation. She has been featured in dozens of media outlets and is a coauthor of the children's book series Poofas, which helps children understand their emotions and develop positive self-esteem and self-talk.
Jennifer J. Brown, PhD
Author
Jennifer J. Brown, PhD, is a freelance health journalist. Her genetics, medical education, and public health works have been published in leading scientific and professional journals, including BMC Public Health, Cancer Medicine, Digestive Diseases and Sciences, and Genetics.
Brown is a published author of 10 books including speculative fiction, noir fiction, and poetry. Her fiction often addresses current medical and mental health issues, and environmental concerns. When not writing, Brown enjoys reading, Tai Chi, and time with her rabbit and parakeets. She has two daughters and lives in New York City.
Leona Vaughn
Author
Leona Vaughn was born and raised in Seattle, where she also completed her undergraduate degree in journalism at the University of Washington (UW). During her time at UW, she worked as a freelance writer for her school newspaper, The Daily UW, where she wrote stories about mental health and wellness. Vaughn was also an editorial intern for The Seattle Globalist, a local news outlet, where she focused most of her writing on issues of race and diversity.
Toward the end of her undergraduate career, Vaughn tried her hand at political reporting and covered the legislative session in Olympia, Washington, where she continued to pursue mental health within the realm of politics.
At the end of 2020 — in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic — Vaughn moved to New York City to continue her education at Columbia University. She earned her master's degree in journalism in 2021.