Last updated: June 18, 2026
Urgent help now
If you or your children are in immediate danger, call 911. If calling could put you at more risk, move to a safer place first if you can, then contact an advocate or emergency help.
For confidential domestic violence help, call the National Hotline at 800-799-7233, text START to 88788, or use online chat. You can also use the HSCADV directory to find Hawaii domestic violence programs by island. Use a safer device when you can.
On Oahu, the DVAC helpline lists an Oahu helpline at 808-531-3771, a toll-free helpline at 800-690-6200, and a text line at 605-956-5680. For sexual assault support and medical-care instructions, call the SATC hotline at 808-524-7273.
Bottom line
Single mothers in Hawaii who are dealing with domestic violence can ask for help with safety planning, emergency shelter, court protection, legal aid, medical care, food, cash assistance, child care, housing rights, work leave, and address privacy. The best first call is often a local domestic violence program because the safest next step depends on your island, your child care or school needs, your housing, your phone privacy, and whether the person hurting you can monitor your accounts.
This guide is general information only. It is not legal advice or a personal safety plan. Domestic violence situations can change fast. A trained advocate, legal aid lawyer, court worker, hotline worker, or medical provider can help you think through choices for your own situation.
For a wider safety overview, see ASMOM’s domestic violence help guide. For broader benefits and local help, use ASMOM’s Hawaii help page.
Where to start if you feel overwhelmed
You do not have to fix everything today. Start with the risk that is closest: physical danger, a place to sleep, a court order, food, child care, medical care, housing safety, or a safe phone. If you are not sure, call a domestic violence advocate and say, “I need help deciding what is safest to do first.”
If you need a safer place
Call your island’s domestic violence hotline through the HSCADV directory. Shelter locations are not public. Ask about emergency shelter, transportation, children, pets, and safe ways to receive calls.
If you need court protection
Call the Family Court TRO Unit for your circuit through the Hawaii Judiciary page. Ask whether a Family Court order or District Court order fits your situation.
If money is short
Apply for food and financial help through the PAIS portal. Ask how to report a safe mailing address and missing documents.
If you need local referrals
Call Aloha United Way 211 for food, shelter, bills, child care, parenting support, job training, disability services, and other local referrals.
Related ASMOM guides include Hawaii emergency help and Hawaii community support.
Quick reference
| Need | Start here | Ask for | Reality check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Danger now | 911 | Immediate emergency response | Call only when you can do so safely. |
| Safety planning or shelter | Local DV hotline | Shelter screening, safer contact, child needs | Shelter openings change by day and island. |
| Legal protection | Family Court TRO Unit | How to request a TRO and protect your address | A court order is one safety tool, not a full plan. |
| Sexual assault care | SATC hotline | Medical care, forensic exam options, advocacy | Call as soon as safely possible for current instructions. |
| Food, shelter, bills | 211 or PAIS | SNAP, TANF, shelter, child care, and referrals | You may need documents, but ask what can be sent later. |
Domestic violence help by island
The Hawaii Department of Human Services and the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence both point survivors to local programs. Use this table as a starting point, then confirm the current hotline, service area, and safe contact method before going anywhere in person.
| Island or area | Possible starting program | What to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Oahu | PACT, Child & Family Service, or DVAC | Emergency shelter, legal helpline, children, safe contact |
| Hawaii Island | Child & Family Service East or West Hawaii | Shelter, advocacy, counseling, and family support |
| Maui County | Women Helping Women | Shelter, TRO help, advocacy, and support for children |
| Kauai | YWCA of Kauai | Domestic violence and sexual assault support |
| Molokai | Molokai Community Service Council | Shelter, court help, advocacy, and family services |
| Any island | Aloha United Way 211 | Food, shelter, child care, bills, and local referrals |
The state DHS resources page lists statewide domestic violence contacts and public assistance information. The HSCADV directory is also useful because it links to programs by island and need.
Protective orders in Hawaii
A Family Court temporary restraining order may be available when the person hurting or threatening you is a family or household member, someone you have a child with, a current or former dating partner, or another person covered by Hawaii law. The Hawaii Judiciary Family Court TRO page explains who may request a Family Court order and lists TRO Unit contacts for each circuit.
Call before you go to court if you can. Ask what forms are needed, how to keep your address private, what happens after filing, and whether an advocate can help. If the person is not covered by Family Court rules, ask whether a District Court protective order is the right path.
| Step | What it means | Safety note |
|---|---|---|
| Call the TRO Unit | Tell court staff you want information about a domestic abuse TRO. | Ask how to keep your address and phone private. |
| Write facts clearly | Dates, threats, injuries, police calls, texts, photos, and child safety concerns can matter. | Do not risk your safety to collect proof. |
| Ask about service | The other person usually must be served before a longer order can move forward. | Ask how service affects safety and timing. |
| Plan for the hearing | Ask an advocate or legal aid office what support may be available. | Legal advice is case-specific. |
If you need help with forms or court safety, contact Legal Aid intake, DVAC if you are on Oahu, or a local advocate. You can also read ASMOM’s Hawaii legal help guide.
Safety and phone privacy
Abuse can get worse when the other person thinks you may leave, file for protection, or ask for outside help. Use a safer phone or device if yours may be monitored. A public library, trusted friend’s phone, school office, clinic, or advocate’s phone may be safer than a shared device.
- Log out of email, benefit portals, bank apps, and school apps after use.
- Do not save shelter names, court plans, or new addresses in a shared phone.
- Ask agencies to use the safest phone, email, and mailing address for you.
- Turn off location sharing only when it is safe to do so, because sudden changes can raise risk.
Children, school, and child safety
If your children are in danger now, call 911. If there is suspected child abuse or neglect, Hawaii DHS lists the Child Welfare Services hotline as 808-832-5300 on Oahu and 1-888-380-3088 for Hawaii Island, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and Kauai.
If your child’s school, child care provider, bus stop, or pickup list may be unsafe, ask an advocate how to speak with the school without exposing your location. You may need copies of a protective order, custody order, school ID rules, and a list of who may pick up your child. If parenting logistics or money support become an issue after separation, see ASMOM’s Hawaii child support page.
Medical care after assault or injury
Get medical help for injuries, strangulation symptoms, pregnancy concerns, or sexual assault. The Sex Abuse Treatment Center says medical forensic examinations are available within 120 hours of a sexual assault, can collect and preserve evidence, and can be done even if you do not want to report to police. Call the SATC medical page hotline at 808-524-7273 for current instructions before you go.
If you need health coverage, Hawaii Med-QUEST accepts applications online, by phone, by mail, or by fax through Med-QUEST apply. ASMOM’s Hawaii health care guide can help you compare coverage and clinic starting points. If you feel in crisis or cannot function safely, call or text 988; ASMOM’s Hawaii mental health page lists more support paths.
Food, cash help, child care, and WIC
Leaving violence can mean losing access to money, food, documents, child care, transportation, or safe internet. Ask each office what it can do when records were left behind because of domestic violence. Rules vary by program, and official notices control deadlines.
- SNAP: Hawaii DHS says the SNAP program is run by the Benefit, Employment & Support Services Division. Apply online through PAIS, and ask about expedited SNAP if you have very low income or little access to food.
- TANF/TAONF: Hawaii DHS says TANF and TAONF provide temporary financial relief to families and connect families with First-To-Work supports. Ask how domestic violence affects work activity rules or paperwork.
- Child care: Hawaii’s child care subsidy can help eligible families pay for approved care. Ask how to update safe contact information and whether protective-purpose child care applies.
- WIC: The Hawaii WIC program helps pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding parents, babies, and young children who meet program rules.
ASMOM has Hawaii guides for SNAP help, TANF help, child care help, and WIC help.
Housing, VAWA rights, and emergency transfers
If you live in public housing, have a Housing Choice Voucher, or live in another covered housing program, federal VAWA housing protections may apply. HUD’s VAWA page explains protections for survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Covered housing providers should have a notice of rights, certification form, and emergency transfer plan.
Hawaii Public Housing Authority posts HPHA VAWA forms, including emergency transfer and certification forms. Do not move, break a lease, or give up a voucher without asking your housing provider, legal aid, or an advocate about safe options first. Transfers and housing help depend on the program, provider, safety facts, and open units.
For broader housing options, see ASMOM’s Hawaii housing help guide.
Address privacy and crime victim compensation
The Hawaii ACP is a free program that can let eligible survivors of domestic abuse, sexual offenses, or stalking use a substitute address with state and county agencies. It is only one part of a safety plan, so ask an advocate how it fits with school, court, housing, child support, voter registration, and benefits records.
The Crime Victim Compensation Commission may help victims of violent crime with certain crime-related injuries and losses. The Commission says it is a payor of last resort, meaning other payment sources are considered first. It is not emergency cash. Ask the Commission, legal aid, or a victim advocate what records are needed and whether your situation may qualify.
Work leave and job safety
Hawaii law provides unpaid victim leave for domestic or sexual violence. The current victim leave law says employers with 50 or more employees must allow up to 30 days of unpaid victim leave per calendar year, and smaller employers must allow up to 5 days, for listed needs such as medical care, victim services, counseling, relocation, or legal action.
Ask an advocate or lawyer before giving your employer more details than needed. Ask how to provide documentation safely, where notices will be sent, and whether your work schedule, parking, phone number, or worksite can be made safer.
Documents and information checklist
Do not delay emergency help because you do not have every paper. Bring what you can safely access. Ask an advocate or caseworker what can be replaced later.
| Item | Why it may help | If you do not have it |
|---|---|---|
| ID for you | Shelter intake, benefits, court, medical care, housing | Ask what other identity proof is accepted. |
| Children’s records | School, child care, benefits, medical care | Ask the school, clinic, or benefits office what can replace missing papers. |
| Income and bills | SNAP, TANF, child care, housing, utility help | Ask if pay stubs, bank records, award letters, or self-statements can be used. |
| Court papers | TRO, custody, divorce, housing rights, child support | Ask the court clerk how to get copies. |
| Safe contact details | Agencies need to reach you without increasing risk. | Ask whether mail, phone, email, or an advocate contact is safest. |
For a wider checklist, use ASMOM’s documents checklist. If a benefit is denied, reduced, delayed, or closed, ASMOM’s benefits problem guide can help you organize notices and deadlines.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Do not post your plan, location, shelter name, court date, or new phone number on social media.
- Do not assume a protective order fixes child pickup, housing, or benefits by itself. Ask each office what paperwork it needs.
- Do not use a shared email address for court or benefit notices if the other person can read it.
- Do not wait to ask for food or child care help because you think you need every document first.
- Do not rely on old hotline lists copied on other websites. Confirm current numbers through HSCADV, DHS, 211, or the program site.
If the first call does not work
If one hotline is busy or the program cannot help your county, call 211 and ask for another domestic violence provider, shelter referral, food pantry, transportation option, or legal aid office. If you are turned away from benefits, ask for a written notice and appeal information. If legal aid cannot take your case, ask for a referral to a self-help center, lawyer referral service, or domestic violence legal clinic.
If you are rebuilding after relocation, ask 211, your advocate, and local nonprofits about household items, transportation, and safe local referrals.
Phone scripts you can use
Calling a domestic violence hotline
“I am a single mother in Hawaii. I am not sure what is safest. I need help with safety planning, possible shelter, and what to do about my children’s school or child care. Can you tell me what information you need and how to contact me safely?”
Calling Family Court
“I want information about a domestic abuse TRO. The person is [relationship]. I have children, and I am worried about safety. Can you tell me which court process applies, what forms I need, and how to protect my address?”
Calling DHS or PAIS help
“I left home because of domestic violence and I need food or cash help. Some documents may be missing. Can I apply now, ask for expedited SNAP if eligible, and send proof later?”
Calling a housing provider
“I am a survivor of domestic violence and I live in covered housing. I need information about VAWA protections, emergency transfer options, and how my information will be kept private.”
Resumen en espanol
Si usted o sus hijos estan en peligro inmediato, llame al 911. Si necesita ayuda confidencial por violencia domestica, llame a una linea local de violencia domestica en Hawaii o a la Linea Nacional de Violencia Domestica al 800-799-7233. Tambien puede llamar al 211 para comida, refugio, ayuda con cuentas, cuidado infantil y recursos locales.
Si necesita una orden de proteccion, llame a la unidad de TRO de Family Court antes de ir. Si necesita comida, dinero o Medicaid, puede solicitar beneficios por los portales oficiales de Hawaii. Este articulo es informacion general, no consejo legal ni un plan de seguridad personal.
FAQ
Can a Hawaii domestic violence advocate help me even if I am not ready to leave?
Yes. Advocates can talk through options, safety concerns, shelter questions, court help, and referrals. You do not have to make every decision during the first call.
Can I ask for a Hawaii protective order if the abuser is a dating partner?
Possibly. The Hawaii Judiciary says Family Court TROs may cover current or former dating relationships, along with other family or household relationships. Call the TRO Unit to confirm the right court path for your situation.
Can I get a sexual assault exam without making a police report?
SATC says a medical forensic exam can be done even if you do not want to report to police. Call SATC as soon as possible for current instructions.
Can domestic violence affect my housing rights?
It can. If your housing is covered by VAWA, you may have protections and may be able to request an emergency transfer. Ask your housing provider, legal aid, or an advocate before making housing decisions.
What if I left my documents behind?
Apply for help anyway and tell the agency or advocate that the documents were left behind because of domestic violence. Ask what can be verified another way or sent later.
Can Hawaii help protect my address?
Hawaii’s Address Confidentiality Program may let eligible survivors use a substitute address with state and county agencies. Ask an advocate if it fits your situation.
Can I take time off work for court or medical care?
Hawaii law provides unpaid victim leave for domestic or sexual violence in certain situations. Ask an advocate or lawyer how to document the leave safely.
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 June 18, 2026, next review September 18, 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.