Resources for Survivors of Domestic Violence

October 31, 2024
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You are Not Alone — Federal Resources for Survivors of Domestic Violence

Domestic or dating violence and abuse can affect anyone, with far-reaching impacts. If you have experienced domestic violence, you are not alone. It is never your fault, and there is help available. You can learn more about the resources available to support you in finding safety and healing, below.

 

GET HELP 

If you are having an emergency, please call 911. If you have experienced domestic violence, the following resources are available:

National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY) | Text “START” to 88788 | Chat online | www.thehotline.org 

National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline: Call 1-866-331-9474 or 1-866-331-8453 (TTY) | Text “loveis” to 22522 | Chat online | www.loveisrespect.org   

StrongHearts Native Helpline: Call or text 1-844-7NATIVE (1-844-762-8483) | Chat online | www.strongheartshelpline.org   

National Sexual Assault Hotline: Call 1-800-656-HOPE (1-800-656-HOPE) | Chat online | www.rainn.org     

Victim Connect Resource Center: Call or text 1-855-4-VICTIM (1-855-484-2846) | Chat online | www.victimconnect.org  

Image Abuse Helpline: Call 1-844-878-CCRI (2274) | www.cybercivilrights.org

WomensLaw.org (National Network to End Domestic Violence): Legal information for victims of abuse, including information about each state’s laws. | Email hotline |www.womenslaw.org

 

FEDERAL RESOURCES

If you have experienced domestic violence, you may qualify for the following resources:

  • Victims’ rights during the criminal justice process, both for violations of Federal laws and for violations of state laws . Crime victim rights  (PDF) typically include the right to be notified of court proceedings and the right to be reasonably protected from the accused offender, such as an order of protection or no contact order, among others.
  • Victim compensation benefits , including reimbursement for medical services, mental health counseling, lost wages, and other costs incurred as a result of the crime.
  • Access to a medical forensic exam  (PDF) (also called a “rape kit”) free of charge following a sexual assault.
  • The option to enroll in health insurance through the Marketplace outside of an open enrollment period, including eligibility for premium tax credits if you are income-eligible. If you’re living apart from your spouse and are a victim of domestic abuse, domestic violence, or spousal abandonment, you can answer on your application that you’re unmarried.
  • Protections when applying for or living in federalhousing programs , including Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher, and others  (PDF). These include protection from eviction on the basis of the abuse or violence and the ability to request an emergency transfer for safety reasons related to the abuse or violence, among others.
  • The ability to separate your cell phone line from a plan shared with an abuser, and access to discounted phone, internet, or bundled services through the FCC’s Lifeline program .
  • The ability to separate certain student loans (called “joint consolidation loans”) from an abusive co-borrower, regardless of whether the co-borrower applies.
  • Relief  (PDF) from paying taxes if your spouse underpaid taxes due on your joint tax return.
  • The option to make an early deduction from your retirement plan without paying the additional 10 percent tax. 
  • The option to obtain a new Social Security Number (SSN)  (PDF) if needed to stay safe.

 

ADDITIONAL TARGETED RESOURCES

The following additional protections and resources are focused on addressing survivor needs in specific communities:

  • For members of the military community, support is available through the Family Advocacy Program and Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program .
  • For veterans, support is available through the VA Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program and military sexual trauma services.
  • For federal employees, information on available help can be found here , and information on time off to seek safety and recover from domestic or violence (also called “safe leave”) can be found here .
  • For noncitizen victims of crime, information on potential immigration options is available here  (PDF), including:
    • U nonimmigrant status (also known as a “U visa”) offers temporary immigration protection for victims of certain qualifying crimes, including domestic violence, in the United States who assist law enforcement. Recipients are also eligible for employment authorization and may be able to become lawful permanent residents.
    • The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petition allows certain noncitizen family members of abusive U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (e.g., a noncitizen who is married to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident) the ability to self-petition for lawful immigration status without the abuser’s knowledge, consent, or participation.
    • T nonimmigrant status (also known as a “T visa”) offers temporary immigration protection to victims of a severe form of trafficking in persons (also known as “human trafficking”) who assist law enforcement (or who qualify for an exemption or an exception). Recipients are also eligible for employment authorization and may be able to become lawful permanent residents.
  • For students, information on requirements under Title IX — which provides protections from sex discrimination, including sex-based harassment such as domestic or dating violence — can be found here .
  • For international students, additional information and resources are available here . 

 

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES 

Learn more about dating violence, domestic violence, signs of abuse, and how to access support here and here .

Find resources in your area for survivors of gender-based violence, including links to domestic violence and sexual assault coalitions in each state and territory, here .

Find information on compensation and assistance for victims of crime here .

Locate crime victim services in your area here .

Find information on access to reproductive health care, what your health insurance is required to cover, and where to go if you need health insurance here .

Learn more about gender-based violence and harassment in the world of workhere . 

Learn more about steps you can take if you have had intimate images of you shared without your consent here and here .