Last updated: May 20, 2026
Urgent help first
If you or your children are in immediate danger, call 911. If calling is not safe, Arizona has statewide text-to-911. Send your exact location and a short message about the emergency through Text-to-911.
For domestic violence support, shelter referrals, and safety planning, contact the Arizona helpline: 602-279-2980, 800-782-6400, text 520-720-3383, or use live chat during posted hours. The National Hotline is available 24/7 at 800-799-7233 or by texting START to 88788.
Safety note: Internet and phone use can be monitored. Use a safer device if you can. If you cannot safely use this page, leave it and call from a safer phone, public phone, shelter, school, clinic, library, or trusted person’s device.
Bottom line
Arizona help for domestic violence can include shelter, advocacy, legal help, protective orders, address privacy, benefits, food, health coverage, child support safety screening, and help after a crime. Most help is a service, legal protection, benefit, or referral, not a cash grant.
If you are not sure where to start, contact the Arizona Sexual and Domestic Violence Helpline or 2-1-1 Arizona. If you need a court order, use AZPOINT to prepare the forms, then contact a court to finish filing. If you need food, medical coverage, or cash assistance, Health-e-Arizona Plus is the main online benefits door.
This guide is general information. It is not legal advice, safety-plan advice, medical advice, or a promise that a program can help in every case.
Where to start in Arizona
If you need safety today
Call 911 for danger right now. For shelter or advocacy, contact the Arizona helpline. If you are in Maricopa County, the helpline or local providers can help you find the correct shelter screening path.
If you need court protection
Use AZPOINT to prepare a petition for an Order of Protection, Injunction Against Harassment, or Injunction Against Workplace Harassment. Then follow the portal directions to contact a court.
If you need food or health care
Apply for Nutrition Assistance, Cash Assistance, and AHCCCS through Health-e-Arizona Plus. Ask a shelter advocate or community partner for help if using your own device is not safe.
If you need local referrals
Call 2-1-1 from inside Arizona or 877-211-8661 from anywhere. You can also search local services at 2-1-1 Arizona.
Quick reference table
| Need | Start here | Reality check |
|---|---|---|
| Immediate danger | Call 911 or text 911 if talking is not safe. | Texting can be slower than calling. Include your exact location. |
| DV shelter or advocacy | Call the Arizona helpline at 602-279-2980 or 800-782-6400. | Shelter space changes daily. Advocates may help with other safe options. |
| Protective order | Start the forms in AZPOINT and contact a court. | AZPOINT prepares forms. A court must still review your request. |
| Address privacy | Ask about Arizona Safe at Home, the Address Confidentiality Program. | You do not apply directly. You meet with an approved Application Assistant. |
| Food, cash, medical | Use Health-e-Arizona Plus or ask a community partner for help. | Rules depend on household, income, documents, and program type. |
| Legal help | Apply through DVLAP, Community Legal Services, SALA, or DNA Legal Services. | Free legal aid depends on income, case type, county, and capacity. |
Shelter, advocacy, and local support
Arizona DES says the state Domestic Violence Program includes mobile and community advocacy, lay legal advocacy, emergency shelter, and transitional housing. DES works with ACESDV and local programs to coordinate services for survivors.
Start with the Arizona helpline if you need help sorting out shelter, safety, legal questions, or referrals. You can also use the service map to look for programs by area. If you are Native American or Alaska Native, StrongHearts offers 24/7 confidential support at 844-762-8483.
If sexual assault is part of what happened, RAINN can connect you to confidential support at 800-656-4673, by text, or by chat through the RAINN hotline. For Arizona-specific sexual assault and domestic violence resources, the Arizona helpline can also help you find local medical and advocacy options.
Safety caution
Do not rely on a public shelter list alone if someone may be tracking you. An advocate can help you think through safer contact, transportation, children, pets, work, school, and technology concerns.
Protective orders in Arizona
An Order of Protection is a court order that can tell a person not to contact you, come near you, or commit domestic violence against you. Arizona courts also use Injunctions Against Harassment and Injunctions Against Workplace Harassment for some cases. Which order fits depends on the relationship, the facts, and the court’s review.
The Arizona Judicial Branch says AZPOINT is the preferred online portal to prepare protective order forms. There is no fee to use AZPOINT, and the portal saves your information for up to 90 days. After preparing the forms, you still need to follow the steps to contact a court and finish filing.
You may file in a city, justice, or superior court, but related family law cases may need superior court. Ask the clerk or a legal advocate if custody, divorce, or parenting time is already pending.
| Protective order topic | What to know |
|---|---|
| Starting forms | AZPOINT guides you through the questions and prepares forms for court review. |
| Cost | There is no fee to use AZPOINT. Ask the court about any service or filing questions. |
| Children | List children only when the facts support protection. Ask legal aid if custody is involved. |
| Evidence | Helpful items may include messages, police reports, photos, medical records, witness names, or prior orders. |
| Hearing | If the other person asks for a hearing, do not ignore the notice. Ask legal aid or an advocate for help. |
For court information, use the Arizona Judicial Branch domestic violence page. For a broader ASMOM guide to legal aid, see Arizona legal help.
Address confidentiality and safer mail
Arizona’s Safe at Home Address Confidentiality Program can provide a substitute address and mail forwarding for people who qualify because of domestic violence, sexual offenses, or stalking. The Arizona Secretary of State says state and local government agencies must accept the substitute address issued by the program.
You do not apply directly to the program. The Secretary of State says applicants must meet with a registered Application Assistant at an agency or nonprofit that provides help to victims of domestic violence, sexual offenses, or stalking. An advocate can help you decide whether this program fits your situation.
Start with the Safe at Home overview. To understand how to enroll, read the ACP enrollment page or ask a local advocate to connect you with an Application Assistant.
Children, custody, child support, and school safety
Domestic violence can affect custody, parenting time, school pickup, child support, and benefits. Arizona law says courts must consider evidence of domestic violence when deciding legal decision-making and parenting time. It also says the safety and well-being of the child and the victim are of primary importance.
If you already have a family court case, talk with legal aid before changing parenting time, moving, withholding visits, or filing new papers. In some cases, a court can set conditions such as protected exchanges, supervised parenting time, no overnight parenting time, or keeping addresses confidential. The right request depends on your case.
If you receive public benefits and child support cooperation may create danger, tell your DES worker and ask about good cause or safety screening. Arizona child support policy says DCSS screens for family violence and can take precautions when safety concerns are disclosed.
For more background, ASMOM has separate guides on Arizona child support. If you fear child abuse or neglect is happening, the Arizona Department of Child Safety lists the statewide child abuse hotline as 1-888-SOS-CHILD.
Benefits, food, health coverage, and basic needs
Leaving abuse can create fast needs: food, medicine, documents, diapers, transportation, child care, rent, utilities, or phone access. Arizona does not have one domestic violence grant that solves all of this. The practical path is usually advocacy, benefits, local charities, and legal help.
Use Health-e-Arizona Plus to apply for Nutrition Assistance, Cash Assistance, and AHCCCS medical coverage. AHCCCS also says Health-e-Arizona Plus is available in English and Spanish and that community assistors can help people apply. If it is unsafe to use your own device, ask an advocate, clinic, or community partner for help.
For food help, see ASMOM’s Arizona SNAP guide. For WIC, see Arizona WIC help. For cash help, see Arizona TANF help.
If housing is the main problem, start with advocacy and 2-1-1, then review Arizona housing help and rent assistance. For utilities, see Arizona utility help. For child care while you work, go to Arizona child care.
Reality check
Benefits can take time, and you may be asked for documents. If documents are with the unsafe person or you cannot safely get them, say that clearly to the worker and ask what other proof they can accept.
Legal help for protective orders, housing, custody, and benefits
The DVLAP program is a statewide network of legal aid attorneys, volunteer attorneys, and lay legal advocates that helps eligible domestic violence victims and their children with civil legal issues. Help may include protective orders, family law forms, landlord-tenant questions, and basic rights information.
Arizona legal aid programs include Community Legal Services, Southern Arizona Legal Aid, and DNA People’s Legal Services. Each has its own area, income rules, priorities, and capacity. Apply early, and mention any court date.
Legal aid cannot always take every case. If they cannot represent you, ask for brief advice, self-help forms, a clinic, a referral, or hearing help. For Arizona links, use ASMOM’s legal help page.
Work rights, paid sick time, and unemployment
Arizona earned paid sick time can be used for some absences related to domestic violence, sexual violence, abuse, or stalking. The law lists reasons such as medical attention, services from a victim services organization, counseling, relocation or steps to secure a home, and legal services.
Arizona unemployment law also says the state shall not disqualify a person from benefits just because the person left work due to a documented domestic violence case. This does not mean every claim is approved. You still need to follow unemployment rules, answer notices, and provide documents when asked.
If losing work is part of your situation, read ASMOM’s Arizona job loss guide. If your employer denies leave, threatens you, or demands unsafe details, contact legal aid or the Industrial Commission before sharing more information than needed.
Crime victim compensation
Arizona has a crime victim compensation program for some out-of-pocket costs tied to a crime. The Arizona Attorney General says county-based Crime Victim Compensation Boards decide awards through an application process. Possible covered costs can include medical or dental care, mental health counseling, funeral costs, lost wages, loss of support, crime scene cleanup, some transportation costs, and emergency relocation.
Start with the victim compensation overview or ask the county victim compensation coordinator where the crime happened. Compensation is not guaranteed. Keep bills, receipts, police report information, and advocate contacts if you have them.
Documents and information checklist
Do not risk your safety to collect papers. Bring or save what you can safely access. Advocates and workers can often tell you what to do when documents are missing.
| For this need | Helpful information | If you do not have it |
|---|---|---|
| Shelter or advocacy | Your name, safe contact method, children with you, pets, county, urgent medical needs. | Tell the advocate what is safe to share and what is not. |
| Protective order | Names, birth dates if known, addresses for service, dates of incidents, messages, photos, reports. | Give the best facts you know. Ask the court or advocate how to handle unknown details. |
| Benefits | ID, children’s information, income, rent, utilities, bank information, medical costs, immigration documents if relevant. | Ask the worker what alternate proof they can accept. |
| Legal aid | Court papers, hearing dates, lease, notices, police report number, benefit letters, custody orders. | Apply anyway. Time-sensitive cases may still need intake. |
| Work or unemployment | Employer name, last day worked, pay stubs, leave requests, proof of domestic violence if available. | Explain what happened in plain words and ask what proof is acceptable. |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting for perfect proof. You can call a hotline or apply for legal aid even if you do not have every document.
- Posting plans online. If someone is monitoring you, social media posts can increase risk.
- Ignoring court notices. If the other person asks for a hearing, missing it can affect your order.
- Leaving out child support safety fears. Tell DES or DCSS if cooperation could put you or your child at risk.
- Using one device for everything. If you suspect monitoring, ask an advocate about safer ways to call, search, and save documents.
If the first place cannot help
Keep the request narrow and ask for the next doorway. If a shelter is full, ask who has current bed information. If legal aid cannot take your case, ask for a clinic or self-help forms. If benefits are delayed, ask about emergency food, a supervisor, or an appeal deadline.
You can also use ASMOM’s Arizona emergency help, Arizona mental health, and Arizona assistance guide pages for related needs.
Phone scripts you can use
Calling the Arizona helpline
“I am a single mother in Arizona and I need help with domestic violence. I need a safe way to talk. Can you help me with shelter options, safety planning, and local advocacy near my county?”
Calling a court about AZPOINT
“I started a protective order petition in AZPOINT. What are the next steps to have a judge review it, and can I appear by video or do I need to come in person?”
Calling legal aid
“I need help with domestic violence and a civil legal issue. I may need a protective order, custody advice, housing help, or benefits help. I have a deadline on [date]. Can I do intake?”
Calling DES or DCSS
“I am applying for benefits and child support cooperation may not be safe. Can you explain good cause, family violence screening, and what proof I can provide if I cannot safely get documents?”
Resumen en español
Si usted o sus hijos están en peligro inmediato en Arizona, llame al 911. Si no puede hablar con seguridad, puede enviar un texto al 911 con su ubicación exacta. Para ayuda por violencia doméstica, llame a la Línea de Ayuda de Arizona al 602-279-2980 o 800-782-6400, o envíe un texto al 520-720-3383 durante las horas publicadas.
Puede pedir ayuda para refugio, planificación de seguridad, órdenes de protección, beneficios, comida, atención médica y ayuda legal. Si necesita beneficios como comida, asistencia médica o dinero en efectivo, use Health-e-Arizona Plus o pida ayuda a un defensor o asistente comunitario. Si necesita privacidad de dirección, pregunte por el programa Safe at Home.
Este artículo es información general. No es consejo legal, médico ni de seguridad. Confirme los detalles con una agencia oficial, una corte, ayuda legal o un defensor local.
FAQ
What should I do first if I am in danger in Arizona?
Call 911. If calling is not safe, Arizona has text-to-911 in every county. Send your exact location and a short message about the emergency.
Who can I call for domestic violence shelter in Arizona?
Contact the Arizona Sexual and Domestic Violence Helpline at 602-279-2980 or 800-782-6400, text 520-720-3383, or use live chat during posted hours. Shelter space changes, so an advocate can help with current options.
Can I file for an Order of Protection online in Arizona?
You can use AZPOINT to prepare the forms for an Order of Protection or related protective order. You still need to follow the portal instructions to contact a court and finish filing.
Can Arizona hide my address if I am fleeing abuse?
Arizona has the Safe at Home Address Confidentiality Program for eligible people affected by domestic violence, sexual offenses, or stalking. You must meet with a registered Application Assistant to apply.
Can domestic violence affect child custody in Arizona?
Yes. Arizona law says courts must consider evidence of domestic violence and that the safety and well-being of the child and victim are of primary importance. Get legal help for advice on your case.
Can I get benefits without pursuing child support if it is unsafe?
Tell your DES worker or DCSS if child support cooperation could put you or your child at risk. Ask about good cause and family violence screening. Rules depend on your case.
Can I use paid sick time for domestic violence needs in Arizona?
Arizona earned paid sick time can cover some absences related to domestic violence, sexual violence, abuse, or stalking, including medical care, victim services, counseling, relocation, and legal services.
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.