Last updated: May 20, 2026
Bottom line
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. If you are not in immediate danger but need help today, contact the NYS hotline by calling 800-942-6906, texting 844-997-2121, or using live chat. The hotline is confidential, open 24/7, and can connect you with local domestic violence help.
If you are in New York City, you can also call the NYC HOPE Hotline at 800-621-4673. During business hours, the NYC Family Justice Centers can help with safety planning, shelter referrals, legal help, counseling, benefits, and children’s needs.
This guide is for information only. It is not legal advice, safety advice, medical advice, or a promise that any program will approve help. A trained advocate can help you think through your safest next step.
Urgent help first
If someone may see your phone or browser history, use caution. Computer and phone use can be monitored. Use the quickest safe option available to you, such as calling 911, contacting an advocate from a safer device, or asking a trusted person to make the call.
- Immediate danger: Call 911.
- Statewide help: Call 800-942-6906, text 844-997-2121, or chat through the NYS hotline.
- New York City: Call 800-621-4673, also known as HOPE.
- Emotional crisis: Call or text 988 through the 988 Lifeline.
Hotline advocates can talk through shelter, transportation, legal options, public benefits, children’s needs, language access, disability access, and local programs. You do not have to know what to ask for before you call.
Where to start
Domestic violence help in New York is not one single program. The right place to start depends on what you need first: safety, shelter, court protection, money, benefits, housing, child care, or legal help.
If you need safety now
Call 911 if danger is immediate. If you can talk or text safely, contact the NYS hotline or NYC HOPE and ask for an advocate.
If you need shelter
Call the hotline instead of searching shelter addresses online. Domestic violence shelters do not always publish locations for safety reasons.
If you need court protection
Ask an advocate or legal aid program about an order of protection, custody, visitation, child support, and safe court planning.
If you need money help
Ask about victim compensation, Temporary Assistance, SNAP, child care help, and whether domestic violence rules affect program requirements.
Quick reference table
| Need | Best first contact | What to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Safety planning or shelter | NYS hotline, NYC HOPE, or a local DV program | “Can I speak with an advocate about shelter and safety options?” |
| Local domestic violence program | OPDV directory or OCFS providers | “Which program serves my county and can help with children?” |
| Order of protection | Family Court, legal aid, or a domestic violence advocate | “Can someone help me understand Family Court and safety issues?” |
| Crime-related expenses | OVS compensation | “Can I apply for reimbursement or emergency help?” |
| Food, cash, child care, health coverage | Local social services, HRA in NYC, or ACCESS NYC | “Can I speak to the Domestic Violence Liaison or benefits worker?” |
| Rent, utilities, food pantries, transportation | 211 New York | “What local help is available this week?” |
Hotlines and local domestic violence programs
New York has statewide help and local help. The statewide hotline can connect you to the nearest domestic violence program. Local programs may offer hotline support, safety planning, legal advocacy, counseling, shelter referrals, hospital accompaniment, and help working with public benefits or court systems.
You can search for local programs through the NYSCADV directory. You can also use the OPDV and OCFS directories listed above. If you live in a rural county, are staying with someone outside your county, or recently moved for safety, ask the hotline which county program can help you now.
For broader single-parent support, see New York help, community support, and rural assistance. These pages can help with non-safety needs, but they should not replace a domestic violence advocate when safety is the main concern.
Shelter and housing help
If you need a safe place, start with the hotline or your local domestic violence program. Do not assume a shelter has space just because it appears in a directory. Bed space, family size, accessibility, location, and safety needs can change quickly.
In New York City, Family Justice Centers and NYC HOPE can connect survivors to shelter referrals, case management, legal help, counseling, and other services. Some services are in person and some may be remote. If you have children with you, say so at the start of the call.
Housing rights may also matter if you live in public housing, Section 8, project-based assisted housing, or another covered program. Federal VAWA housing protections can help survivors avoid being denied or removed from covered housing because of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. New York Homes and Community Renewal also posts VAWA forms and model notices for covered housing programs.
If you are trying to stay safely in your home in New York City, ask an FJC about Home+. It may help with home safety supports such as lock or door repairs, alarm devices, and flexible housing-related help. Availability and eligibility can vary, so ask a program staff member before making plans.
For general housing options that are not specific to abuse, see New York housing and housing assistance.
Court and legal help
An order of protection is a court order that can limit contact or certain behavior by the person who harmed or threatened you. New York courts explain the basics on the court safety page. You may be dealing with Family Court, Criminal Court, Supreme Court in a divorce, or more than one court at the same time.
If you are asking Family Court for help, review the court’s page on family offense petitions. Court staff can explain filing steps, but they cannot be your lawyer. A domestic violence advocate or legal aid lawyer can help you think about safety, children, service of papers, evidence, and what to ask for.
Legal issues can overlap. You may need help with custody, visitation, child support, housing, public benefits, immigration questions, or divorce. Start with LawHelpNY safety to look for free legal information and legal aid. You can also use ASMOM’s New York legal help page for more state-specific legal starting points.
Reality check
Going to court may help, but it can also affect safety, housing, custody, and income. Talk with an advocate or lawyer when you can, especially before sharing an address, changing a custody routine, or responding to legal papers.
Money, benefits, food, and child care
Leaving abuse can create sudden costs: transportation, storage, locks, missed work, replacement documents, medical care, child care, and a new place to stay. New York does not have one guaranteed “domestic violence grant” for every survivor. Real help usually comes through several programs.
Victim compensation
The New York State Office of Victim Services may reimburse eligible crime-related, out-of-pocket expenses. Start with the OVS compensation page and ask about an advocate through OVS Resource Connect. An advocate can help you understand what documents are needed and whether emergency help may be possible.
Public assistance and waivers
If you apply for or receive public assistance, ask about domestic violence screening and the Domestic Violence Liaison. OPDV explains that a liaison may assess whether certain program requirements should be delayed or waived when meeting them could increase danger. OPDV’s financial help page also explains good cause and domestic violence issues tied to some benefit rules.
Temporary Assistance is supervised by OTDA and local social services districts. You can start with Temporary Assistance information, but contact your county social services office or NYC HRA for your case. If child support cooperation feels unsafe, ask about good cause before you skip a requirement.
For related ASMOM guides, use emergency assistance, New York SNAP, child care help, healthcare help, Medicaid help, and WIC benefits.
| Program or path | May help with | Important caution |
|---|---|---|
| OVS compensation | Some crime-related expenses | It is reimbursement-based and has rules. Ask an advocate for help applying. |
| Temporary Assistance | Basic needs for eligible households | Rules vary by case. Ask about domestic violence screening and waivers. |
| SNAP and WIC | Food, groceries, infant nutrition | Household rules can be confusing after separation. Report changes carefully. |
| Child care subsidy | Child care while working, training, or dealing with approved needs | Funding, waitlists, and local rules can vary by county. |
| Child support | Financial support from the other parent | If it may increase danger, ask about good cause and legal advice first. |
For child support details, see child support NY. Do not use child support as a safety plan by itself. A lawyer or advocate can help you understand risks, address confidentiality, and court options.
Address privacy, work rights, and discrimination
If you moved or plan to move because of safety, the New York Address Confidentiality Program may help you use a substitute mailing address. The Address Confidentiality Program is not a shelter program and does not hide every record, but it can be an important part of a broader safety plan.
New York also has safe leave protections. The state paid sick leave rules allow safe leave for covered reasons tied to domestic violence, sexual offenses, family offenses, stalking, or human trafficking. If you work in New York City, check the city’s protected time off page. Your available time can depend on your employer and work situation.
New York’s Human Rights Law also protects survivors from discrimination based on status as a victim of domestic violence. The Division of Human Rights lists this under protected characteristics. If you believe you were denied housing, a job, or another covered opportunity because of domestic violence victim status, you can start with the DHR report page.
What to gather, only if safe
Do not delay urgent help because you do not have documents. Advocates are used to helping people who left quickly. If it is safe to gather information, this checklist can help.
| Information | Why it may help | If you do not have it |
|---|---|---|
| ID for you and children | Benefits, school, shelter, medical care | Ask the advocate how to replace documents safely. |
| Benefit notices or case numbers | SNAP, Medicaid, child care, cash assistance | Ask the office to look up your case. |
| Court papers | Orders of protection, custody, support, divorce | Ask the court clerk or lawyer how to get copies. |
| Lease, voucher, or shelter papers | Housing rights and transfer requests | Ask the housing provider what proof is needed. |
| Police, medical, or advocate records | OVS, court, housing, or work leave | Ask what other documentation may be accepted. |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Do not post your plans online. Public posts, shared devices, and location tools can create risk.
- Do not assume a shelter can take you without calling. Call an advocate first.
- Do not ignore benefit notices. If you missed a deadline because of abuse, ask about good cause, reopening, or a fair hearing.
- Do not guess on court forms. Ask court staff what the form is for, and ask legal aid or an advocate what the safety impact may be.
- Do not give up after one no. Ask whether another program, county office, appeal, or advocate can help.
If the first place cannot help
If one office says no, ask what the next safe option is. Domestic violence programs may be full. Benefit offices may need more documents. Legal aid may have intake limits. That does not mean there is no help.
- Call the NYS hotline again and ask for another local program or county option.
- Use 211 for food, rent, utility, transportation, and local nonprofit referrals.
- Ask OVS Resource Connect for a victim assistance program near you.
- Ask LawHelpNY for another legal aid program or self-help court resource.
- Ask your school district, health clinic, or child care worker for safe local referrals if you can do that safely.
Phone scripts
Calling the NYS hotline
“I am a single mother in New York and I need to speak with a domestic violence advocate. I may need shelter, help with my children, and information about court or benefits. What is the safest next step?”
Calling a Family Justice Center
“I am in New York City and I want help from a Family Justice Center. I need safety planning, legal information, and help with housing or benefits. Can I come in, and what should I bring if it is safe?”
Calling social services or HRA
“I am applying for benefits and domestic violence affects my ability to meet some requirements. Can I speak with the Domestic Violence Liaison or someone who handles good cause or waivers?”
Calling legal aid
“I need help with a domestic violence-related legal issue. It may involve an order of protection, custody, child support, housing, or benefits. Do you have intake today, or can you refer me?”
Resumen en español
Si está en peligro inmediato, llame al 911. Si necesita ayuda por violencia doméstica en Nueva York, puede llamar a la línea estatal al 800-942-6906, enviar texto al 844-997-2121, o usar el chat de OPDV. En la Ciudad de Nueva York, también puede llamar a NYC HOPE al 800-621-4673.
Un defensor puede ayudarle con seguridad, refugio, niños, corte, beneficios públicos, vivienda, compensación para víctimas, y recursos locales. Esta guía es información general, no consejo legal ni un plan de seguridad personal.
FAQ
What number should I call for domestic violence help in New York?
Call 911 if you are in immediate danger. For confidential statewide help, call 800-942-6906, text 844-997-2121, or use the NYS hotline chat. In New York City, you can call NYC HOPE at 800-621-4673.
Can I get help if I am not ready to leave?
Yes. You can speak with an advocate even if you are not ready to leave, do not want shelter, or are unsure what to do. An advocate can discuss options without forcing one path.
Can a single mother bring children to a domestic violence shelter?
Many domestic violence programs help survivors with children, but space and placement rules vary. Tell the hotline how many children are with you, their ages, and any disability, medical, school, or transportation needs.
Where can I ask for an order of protection in New York?
You may be able to ask Family Court, Criminal Court, or Supreme Court in a divorce case, depending on the situation. The safest starting point is a domestic violence advocate, court help center, or legal aid office.
Does New York have money help for domestic violence survivors?
There is no guaranteed cash grant for every survivor. Possible paths include OVS victim compensation, public assistance, SNAP, child care assistance, local nonprofit help, and domestic violence program referrals.
Can I keep my address private after moving?
The New York Address Confidentiality Program may help eligible survivors use a substitute mailing address. It does not replace a full safety plan, so ask an advocate whether it fits your situation.
About this guide
This guide uses official federal, state, local, and other high-trust nonprofit and community sources mentioned in the article.
A Single Mother is independent and is not a government agency, benefits office, lender, law firm, medical provider, or tax advisor.
Program rules, funding, local availability, and eligibility can change. Always confirm details with the official program before you apply or make decisions.
Verification: Last verified May 20, 2026, next review August 20, 2026.
Corrections: If you see something wrong or outdated, email suggestions@asinglemother.org.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It is not legal, financial, medical, tax, immigration, disability, safety, or government-agency advice.