Abuse happens in every kind of family and relationship. Some services know particular situations well.
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
Help for men experiencing abuse (National Domestic Violence Hotline)
The Hotline supports men experiencing abuse and can help with safety planning and finding local services that serve men.
Who it is for Men experiencing abuse from a partner.
First step Call or chat with a Hotline advocate any time. It is confidential and without judgment.
Good to know Most federally funded domestic violence services must serve all victims. If a local program turns you away, Hotline advocates can help you find other options.
The Network/La Red hotline (LGBTQ+)
A free, confidential 24-hour hotline with support, safety planning and referrals for LGBTQ+ people abused by a partner.
Who it is for LGBTQ+ people, and people in kink or polyamorous communities, who are or were abused by a partner, plus friends and family.
First step Call the hotline. You do not have to leave, or want to leave, your relationship to get support.
Good to know Based in Boston, Massachusetts. If you ask for a call back, say whether it is safe to leave a message.
Adult Protective Services (find your state, NAPSA)
Each state's Adult Protective Services responds to reports of abuse of older adults and adults with disabilities.
Who it is for Older adults and adults with disabilities who are being abused, or anyone worried about them. Each state runs its own APS.
First step Choose your state or territory on the NAPSA page to find how to report there.
Good to know NAPSA says calls to report abuse are confidential.
StrongHearts Native Helpline
A 24/7 confidential, anonymous helpline for domestic and sexual violence, with Native-centered advocates and referrals, at no cost.
Who it is for Native Americans and Alaska Natives experiencing domestic or sexual violence.
First step Click the chat icon on the website to talk one-on-one with an advocate, or call or text.
Good to know Press Esc or the exit icon to leave the site quickly. Computer use can be monitored.
The Deaf Hotline (ASL)
A free, confidential 24/7 hotline in American Sign Language for Deaf survivors, run by ADWAS with the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
Who it is for Deaf and hard of hearing people experiencing abuse, including relationship abuse.
First step Contact the hotline by videophone in ASL any time, or search their list of Deaf programs by state.
love is respect (teens and young adults)
Free, confidential support about dating abuse and healthy relationships, from the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
Who it is for Young people aged 14 to 24, and the friends, family and teachers who support them.
First step Text, call or chat live online with an advocate any time.
Numbers
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Call 1-800-799-7233Text START to 88788The national line for anyone experiencing domestic violence.
24/7
love is respect
Call 1-866-331-9474Text LOVEIS to 22522For teens and young adults in relationships.
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.
- 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.