You do not need a new home lined up before you leave. Shelters can take you in, and federal law protects survivors who live in federally assisted housing.
This is general information, not legal advice. Each service was checked against its own website on 7 November 2026. Rules change: read what the service itself says before you decide.
Who can help
Finding a domestic violence shelter (National Domestic Violence Hotline)
Advice on finding a shelter near you, what to ask, and what to do if a shelter is full or says no.
Who it is for Anyone experiencing abuse who may need a safe place to stay, of any gender.
First step Talk to a Hotline advocate by phone or chat. They can help you look for shelter space and other options.
Good to know If you can, search for shelters on a phone or computer the abuser cannot access.
VAWA housing rights (HUD)
A federal law that protects survivors in federally subsidized housing from being turned away, evicted or losing assistance because of the abuse.
Who it is for Survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault or stalking who apply for or live in federally assisted housing, like public housing or vouchers.
First step Tell your housing provider you are using your VAWA rights. You can prove it by self-certifying on HUD's form HUD-5382.
Good to know It covers federally assisted housing, like public housing and vouchers. If a provider ignores your rights, you can file a complaint with HUD.
Emergency transfer from federally assisted housing (HUD)
If staying in your federally assisted home is not safe, you can ask your housing provider to move you for safety reasons.
Who it is for Survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault or stalking living in HUD-covered housing, such as public housing or a Housing Choice Voucher.
First step Ask your housing provider for an emergency transfer. HUD has a model request form, HUD-5383.
Good to know If you have a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher, you must be allowed to move and keep your assistance.
Address Confidentiality Programs (Safe at Home)
State programs that give you a free substitute mailing address so your real address stays out of public records.
Who it is for People whose safety is at risk from domestic violence, stalking, harassment or rape. Most states have a program, but not all, and rules differ.
First step Find your state on the national list. You usually enroll in person with a program counselor, often at a victim assistance center.
Good to know In January 2026 there was no program in Alaska, North Dakota, South Dakota or Wyoming.
Numbers
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Call 1-800-799-7233Text START to 88788The national line for anyone experiencing domestic violence.
24/7
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Other topics
- Money to live on in the USMoney help in the US when you leave an abusive partner: public benefits, help finding benefits and crime victim compensation.
- Free legal help in the USFree legal help in the US when you live with domestic violence: legal aid finders and plain-language legal information by state.
- Protection orders and the police in the USProtection orders in the US, reporting to the police, and support for victims of crime.
- Children and custody in the USHelp for children and parents in the US after domestic violence: custody information and child abuse help.
- Your immigration status if you leave in the USIf your status in the US depends on your partner: the VAWA self-petition, the U visa and the T visa.
- Health care and help after sexual assault in the USHealth care in the US after abuse or sexual assault: sexual assault exams, health centers and support lines.
- Help for particular groups in the USHelp in the US for men, LGBTQ+ people, older people, Native communities, Deaf people and teens, from services that know your situation.