The DC Victim Hotline has compiled a list of frequently needed resources related to Domestic Violence. This is not an exhaustive list of options available to you. The resources listed consist of both national and local resources. If you are interested in resources in jurisdictions other than the District of Columbia (such as Maryland and Virginia) please visit VictimConnect Resource Center.
For an individualized plan, please reach out to a DC Victim Hotline Victim Service Specialist, here.
DC Resources
DC SAFE: SAFE is DC’s only 24-hour crisis intervention agency for domestic violence victims providing face-to-face support and resources at any hour of the day or night. Their Domestic Violence Intake Center office is 202-879-0152. Call the DC Victim Hotline (844-443-5732) to reach DC SAFE’s 24/7 On-Call Advocacy Program (OCAP).
My Sisters Place (MSP): MSP provides safe and confidential emergency shelter and transitional-to-permanent housing to battered women and their children. Also provides supportive programs, counseling, education, and advocacy to all survivors of domestic violence. Call their shelter office at 202-540-1064.
House of Ruth: Variety of shelter options for women and families. Includes spaces for individuals with mental health issues and provides counseling. House of Ruth accepts single women. Call at 202-667-7001.
DASH (District Alliance for Safe Housing): Survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, or trafficking can call 202-462-3274 or email [email protected] for housing.
DC Emergency Shelter Hotline Department of Human Services maintains a 24-hour shelter hotline to facilitate access to information on available programs and services. The Emergency Shelter program provides beds on a first-come, first-served basis, to any homeless person. Call at 202-399-7039.
Volare: Volare provides free, holistic, and trauma-informed advocacy, legal, and therapeutic services to survivors of any type of crime in the District of Columbia. We believe in survivor-defined care, healing, and justice. This means that only survivors can make decisions about what healing and justice look like for them. Volare provides resources and support to survivors making those decisions. Call at 202-742-1727.
Crime Victim Compensation: The Crime Victims Compensation Program provides financial assistance and reimbursement to innocent victims of violent crime and their families with crime-related expenses. Call 202-879-4216, mail an application, or email [email protected].
MPD Victim Services Branch: MPD’s Victim Services Branch provides support, information, and referrals to victims and their families. Call at 202-727-9099
Volunteer Legal Advocates: Volunteer Legal Advocates (formerly DC Volunteer Lawyers Project) is ending the cycle of violence for survivors and children through pro bono legal aid. We provide free legal representation in protection orders, family law, and immigration cases and operate walk-in clinics throughout Washington, DC, and Montgomery County, MD, to expand access to justice. Powered by a dedicated network of volunteer attorneys and advocates, we help thousands across our community build safer and more stable futures at no cost to them. Together, we create lasting change and empower individuals to reclaim their lives with dignity and hope. Learn more at VolunteerLegalAdvocates.org.
Domestic Violence Legal Empowerment & Appeals Project (DV LEAP): DV LEAP, a project of Volare, is a national leader in appellate advocacy on behalf of survivors. When survivors of domestic violence, dating abuse, sexual assault, or stalking face harmful or unjust outcomes in court, DV LEAP helps them take the next step by appealing.
Victim Legal Network of DC (VLNDC): VLNDC, a project of Volare, is a network of legal service providers in DC that provide legal assistance to survivors of crime in DC. With a network of over 25 different legal service organizations, VLNDC provides survivors support with a wide variety of issues, including (but not limited to) family law, immigration, debt collection, housing, protection orders, and crime victims’ rights. When a survivor contacts VLNDC, we strive to connect them to any member organizations that may be able to assist them with their pending legal needs. If we’re unable to assist, we provide the survivor with other resources to explore. Call 202-629-1788.
Address Confidentiality Program: The District’s Address Confidentiality Program (ACP), administered by the Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants (OVSJG), provides a legal substitute address for eligible DC residents to maintain confidentiality of her or his actual address. This program helps residents who fear for their safety by shielding their street address from public records, providing one tool in an individual’s broader safety plan.
National Resources
The National Domestic Violence Hotline: 24/7 free support and assistance at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or via their live chat service
Love Is Respect: If you are a teen and are experiencing dating violence, the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline provides 24/7 support and resources at 1-866-331-9474 or via their live chat service.
Women’sLaw.org: provides legal information to help support women in domestic violence situations. They have helpful content on their site as well as an email helpline
DomesticShelters.org: Find local Domestic Violence Shelters near you or someone you know in need. Select various criteria to focus your search for shelters and services which meet your exact needs
Pathways to Safety International: Pathways to Safety International assists Americans experiencing interpersonal and gender-based violence abroad.Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via phone at 1-833-723-3833, email at [email protected], and online chat.
The Power and Control Wheel: examines the different types of abuse that may be present in domestic violence situations. The Power and Control Wheel is a helpful tool in understanding the overall pattern of abusive and violent behaviors employed by the abuser to establish and maintain control in a relationship.
More Resources & Information
Visit our Domestic Violence Information Page to learn more.
Ensuring your safety is vital, visit the Safety Planning Resource Page to create a safety plan.
To address the trauma associated with domestic violence, visit our Mental Health & Self Care page.
If you are unable to stay at a domestic violence shelter, visit our Housing Resources page to find shelter.
