Family Violence

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For many victims of domestic violence, child support offers financial independence from an abusive partner.  At the same time research shows that the birth of a child, establishing paternity and a child support order, and enforcing child support can be triggers for violence.

Because the child support program serves both parents, it has a unique role in reducing risks and increasing safety for victims.  To promote safe access to child support, OCSS works with state, local, and tribal child support programs to partner with domestic violence, fatherhood, and child welfare programs.  Check out the resources and tools on this page that child support programs can use to help victims safely and confidentially obtain child support.  If you are a parent or family member concerned about family violence, contact the toll free National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) for information and resources near you.


Domestic Violence Awareness Tear Sheet Flyers

These domestic violence awareness tear sheet flyers let survivors easily grab contact info for the National Domestic Violence Hotline to call for confidential support and safety tools.

English (PDF)  Spanish (PDF)

Domestic Violence Awareness Tear Sheet Flyers for Tribal Communities

These domestic violence awareness tear sheets feature the StrongHearts Helpline that offers culturally appropriate and confidential support to Native Americans and Alaska Natives.

Download (PDF)

Top Family Violence Resources

Domestic Violence Resources, Training, and Collaboration

October 28, 2022

Joint memo highlights resources for child support programs to help domestic survivors obtain child support

Read Domestic Violence Resources, Training, and Collaboration

Safe Access to Child Support Services: Scope of the Issue

October 21, 2015

Presents new tool state agencies can use in collaboration with domestic violence experts to enhance safety practices

Read Safe Access to Child Support Services: Scope of the Issue

Domestic Violence Technical Assistance

October 31, 2018

Federal staff provide training and technical assistance to child support professionals to increase safety for domestic violence survivors

Read Domestic Violence Technical Assistance

Model Procedures for Domestic Violence Cases

August 21, 2019

Provides guidance and model procedures for child support staff when processing cases involving domestic violence

Read Model Procedures for Domestic Violence Cases

Child Support When You're Afraid of the Other Parent

October 21, 2019

A guide to help parents who have experienced domestic violence assess safety for receiving child support services

Read Child Support When You're Afraid of the Other Parent