Children who live with violence are affected even when they are not hurt themselves. There is help for them, and for you as a parent.
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
Custody and abuse (WomensLaw.org)
Plain-language answers about child custody when there is abuse, including emergency custody and moving to another state.
Who it is for Parents dealing with custody where there is abuse. Custody law is set by each state, so choose yours.
First step Pick your state on the page to read its custody rules. Talk to a lawyer before asking for emergency custody.
Good to know Moving to a new state with your children can affect where and when you can file for custody. Get advice before you move if you can.
Leaving with your children: parental kidnapping laws (WomensLaw.org)
Explains when taking or moving children without the other parent's agreement can be a crime, often called custodial interference.
Who it is for Parents planning to leave or move with their children. Whether it is a crime depends on the laws of the state the children are leaving.
First step Read this before you move the children, then ask a lawyer or advocate to explain your state's law.
Good to know In some states, hiding the children's location can be a crime even if you stay in the same state.
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline
Counselors who listen and help anyone worried about a child, by call, text or chat, in many languages.
Who it is for Anyone concerned about or affected by child abuse.
First step Reach a Childhelp counselor by call, text or chat, or use the map on the site to find your state's reporting contacts.
Good to know It is not a reporting line or 911. If you share where a child is being harmed, counselors may have to tell the authorities.
Numbers
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline
Call 1-800-422-4453For children, and for adults worried about a child. Call, text or chat.
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.
- A safe place to live in the USSomewhere safe to stay in the US when you leave violence: shelters, your housing rights in federally assisted housing, and keeping your address private.
- 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.
- 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.