Whether you’ve experienced domestic violence or know someone who has, it’s critical to know what services are available. Domestic violence agencies provide countless comprehensive and free supports for survivors, yet few are aware of this.

The day I finally broke free from years of domestic violence, I was just 20 years old and only left through the help of the court system. When I walked out of the courthouse with a stack of legal papers and shelter referrals in hand, I felt lost. I didn’t really need shelter. But I also didn’t know what I needed either. Instead, I thought, Now, what? I simply tried to move on, rebuilding my life as best I could on my own.

I had no idea that there were “domestic violence agencies” that offer free support services. I knew these only as shelters and pictured them solely as a room with cots. It was only later while researching volunteer opportunities that I discovered that these existed,  as well as what they really offer. I’ve since worked at a domestic violence agency, have worked extensively in victim services, and serve on the Board of Directors of a domestic violence agency. This is the information and resources we all need to be more aware of.

Domestic violence agencies provide incredible life-changing FREE services. They help those who have left an abusive relationship, those who are trying to, and those who have been secondarily impacted. 

Here’s 16 Services Domestic Violence Agencies Provide

01.  24/7 Hotline Support
Every domestic violence agency offers a 24/7 hotline. This includes your local and state agency, as well as the national hotlines that exist. Many offer online chat options and text options. These are numbers that you can utilize any day, at any hour to get free advice and support. They are anonymous and confidential too, which means you can maintain complete privacy while getting the support you need.

02.  Safety Planning
One thing that all victims and/or survivors must do is safety plan. This may include planning for a safe break-up, or implementing safety measures after an abusive relationship ends. Someone who is specialized in safety planning will offer custom recommendations – like altering your route home, replacing locks, safety tips when co-parenting, informing an employer of a no contact order, etc. Often, these are things an individual won’t think of, or maybe don’t think are necessary. However, safety is paramount. It’s impossible to ever predict how another individual may act.

03.  Court and Legal Advocacy
Many falsely believe that the legal system is out of their reach. However, domestic violence agencies provide free court and legal advocacy. This includes support obtaining restraining orders and no contact orders. There are also Victim Witness Advocates present to provide free advocacy during a criminal court case. In other words, if there is an arrest or if charges are pressed, you will have free in-court support. These individuals will then keep you informed on your case and your rights to participate. Additionally, these advocates can refer you to additional resources. *Note: This in-court advocacy not apply to civil or family court cases. However, many communities have free or low cost legal services for those who need help. 

04.  Individual Counseling
Healing after an abusive relationship takes time and specialized support. Every domestic violence agency offers counseling services – yes, entirely free. These counselors are specialized in domestic violence and sexual assault crisis intervention and support services. This means, they get what a you’ve been through, and they know how to help you begin to heal. They will also provide you with serious added support, connecting you to critical other resources to help you rebuild your life.

05. Group Counseling
Domestic violence agencies also offer group counseling. Each program runs differently, however many are comprehensive and life-changing. They provide a forum for survivors to connect with other survivors. It’s a safe place to connect and feel understood. These group programs are often structured with multiple sessions to help survivors fully understand the dynamics of abuse and what they experienced, and understand how to take the steps to prevent future harm. There’s often journal and writing exercises incorporated too for added personal development and healing.

06. Support Groups
Support groups differ from group counseling. These are less structured. They provide a safe place to talk, connect, and share in solidarity. Each support group will run differently, but essentially, they are a place to simply connect with others who have been through a similar experience.

07.  Emergency Shelter
Domestic violence agencies offer emergency shelters to those who have experienced abuse. This means that anyone ending a violent relationship has a safe place to go. These agencies take in individuals as well as those with children. Many mistakenly picture “shelter” as a room with cots, however this is far from true. Domestic violence agencies know the trauma of abuse, and work to create a warm and loving environment. It’s important to note that shelter is available to persons of all gender identities. Even if your local agency does not provide emergency shelter for men, they typically have partner agencies and will help you find a safe place to go.

08.  Transitional Housing
Transitional housing is a bridge between shelter and more long-term affordable housing. Many agencies own or lease properties which they then rent out to survivors/families. There may be financial requirements – like opening a bank account and saving so much per week. This is an affordable way to rebuild, and position yourself to become financially self-sufficient.

09.  Housing & Rent Funding Resources
Many domestic violence agencies provide other housing resources. Some have funding streams to assist with first, last, and security on a new apartment. Some have funding to provide travel and transportation for a move somewhere distant – even out of state. Others have also built partnerships with resources for utilities supports.

10.  Referrals to Community Resources
Advocates and counselors that work at domestic violence agencies know your local community and the resources available better than anyone. Often, they know exactly who can help you with your specific needs. For example, you may need job training, career search, or resume help. You may need interview coaching. You may need furniture for your new apartment. Your domestic violence agency can point you to these available resources.

11.  Child Therapy and Counseling
For children who have witnessed domestic violence, or been victimized themselves, agencies provide specialized counseling and intervention supports for children and teens of all ages. If a domestic violence agency does not offer this in-house, they always work in partnership with a local organization that does. Again, this is free counseling and therapeutic supports available to youth/children impacted in any way by abuse.

12.  Sexual Assault Support
Not all domestic violence agencies offer sexual assault support services, however many do. In some communities, one agency provides all services for domestic and sexual violence. In other communities, there are two separate agencies for this. Regardless, both work in tandem. Your domestic violence agency can direct you.

13.  Medical Advocacy
Whether you’ve been physically assaulted by a partner, or you’ve been a victim of sexual assault or rape, domestic and sexual violence agencies provide medical advocates. Many of these are “on call” which means they will be available at any hour to meet you at the hospital. They will also accompany you to other scheduled visits as is relevant and appropriate.

14.  Basic Needs Provision
Most domestic violence agencies collect gift cards to provide to survivors of abuse. It’s a way to provide you with autonomy, to do your own shopping. If this hasn’t been your norm for a while, this is a hugely empowering way to start taking back control over your life. If you’re short on food, see if your local agency has any gift cards. Further, no matter what you need, a domestic violence agency will work to find it for you. During the winter, these agencies can provide coats, warm clothes, socks and gloves. They can provide furniture, dishware, and household goods, and more.

15.  Art Therapy and Other Creative Healing Modalities
Many domestic violence agencies bring in art therapy professionals. They may offer painting, journaling, art collage-ing, or other forms of healing modalities through creative expression.

16.  Prevention and Outreach
The mission of every domestic violence agency is to support and empower survivors of abuse. However, their other goal is to prevent and reduce harm, while also ensuring effective response. Agencies will thus provide educational programming in schools, or trainings for parents. They often offer professional development for first responders and health and human service providers. Further, they develop outreach and awareness campaigns, participate in community and policy dialogues, and serve on coalitions to drive initiatives for change.

Whether you’ve experienced abuse or you know someone who is, knowledge of these resources is critical. Bookmark this article. Pass it along. Never hesitate to reach out to your local agency for help. Simply google your city or town and “domestic violence agency.”

For immediate help, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). For a full list of national resources, visit www.ashleybendiksen.com/resources.

Have questions? Need support? Drop a comment below or ask me.

About: Ashley Bendiksen is an expert speaker, trainer, and consultant on issues of domestic violence, teen dating violence, sexual assault, and trauma response. She is a top youth motivational speaker, survivor speaker, and keynote speaker. Ashley offers presentations for schools/colleges and educational conferences. She also offers professional development for first responders, victim services providers, and workplaces. Request Ashley to speak.