Last updated: May 20, 2026
Urgent help now
If you or your children are in immediate danger, call 911. If it is not safe to call, leave the area if you can and ask a trusted person, store worker, school, clinic, or neighbor to call for help.
If you can safely use a phone or device, call The Hotline at 800-799-7233, text START to 88788, or use chat. You can also use the ACADV shelter map to find Arkansas domestic violence programs. Arkansas 211 can help you look for shelter, food, rent help, transportation, and other local support.
If the person hurting you may monitor your phone, computer, car, accounts, or location, use a safer device when you can. A domestic violence advocate can help you think through options without giving you one-size-fits-all advice.
Bottom line
Arkansas help usually starts with three calls: a domestic violence advocate, the circuit clerk or legal aid if you need a protection order, and DHS or 211 if you need food, health care, child care, or cash help. You do not have to solve everything in one day.
This guide is for general information only. It is not legal advice, safety-plan advice, medical advice, or benefits-office advice. Domestic violence cases can become more dangerous when someone tries to leave, file papers, change passwords, or ask for support. When possible, talk with a trained advocate before taking steps that could alert the abuser.
For more Arkansas support by need, see our Arkansas help guide. If you need a faster crisis list, use our emergency help page.
Where to start
The safest first step depends on what is happening right now. Pick the line below that fits your day. You can also ask an advocate to help you make calls with you.
You need somewhere safe
Call a domestic violence program or The Hotline. Ask about shelter, hotel options, transportation, child needs, pet options, and nearby programs if your county is full.
You need court protection
Call your county circuit clerk or legal aid. Ask about an order of protection, what forms are used in your county, and whether an advocate can help you file.
You need food or benefits
Use Access Arkansas for SNAP, Medicaid, ARKids First, and TEA. Ask DHS how to protect your address and whether child support cooperation could create safety risk.
You need legal help
Start with legal help in Arkansas and AR Law Help. Legal aid can explain protection orders, custody, housing, benefits, and child support questions.
Quick reference table
| Need | Best first contact | What to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Immediate danger | 911 | Tell them if children, weapons, injuries, stalking, or a protection order are involved. |
| Domestic violence shelter | Local DV program or The Hotline | Ask about bed space, transportation, children, pets, disability access, and nearby counties. |
| Protection order | County circuit clerk | Ask for order of protection forms and whether a victim advocate is available. |
| Food, health care, cash help | Access Arkansas or DHS | Ask about SNAP, Medicaid, ARKids First, TEA, document upload, and safe contact options. |
| Rent or utility crisis | 211, shelter advocate, local agencies | Ask what is open today and whether you need an appointment, ID, lease, or shutoff notice. |
Shelter, advocacy, and crisis support in Arkansas
The Arkansas Coalition Against Domestic Violence connects survivors with local programs through its shelter map. Some programs keep addresses private and may ask questions before sharing a location. That is normal. It helps protect families already in shelter.
When you call, you can say only what is safe to say. You can ask whether the program can help with safety planning, emergency shelter, court advocacy, transportation, counseling, food, school needs, and referrals. If one shelter is full, ask the advocate to help you call nearby programs.
For young mothers, dating violence help is also available through Love is Respect. Native survivors can contact StrongHearts for culturally specific support.
Safety caution
Do not assume your phone is private. Location sharing, shared phone plans, car apps, smart home devices, email, and social media can sometimes be used to monitor a survivor. The tech safety plan from NNEDV can help you think through safer ways to use devices. Sudden changes can sometimes alert an abusive person, so ask an advocate first if you are worried.
Orders of protection in Arkansas
An order of protection is a civil court order. In Arkansas, a victim of domestic violence may go to the circuit clerk’s office to ask for the forms to file a petition and affidavit. The Arkansas Judiciary says there is no charge to file a petition for an order of protection, and many shelters or county offices may have advocates who can help with the papers through the court forms page.
A judge may issue a temporary order before a full hearing when the law allows it. Arkansas law says the hearing must be set not later than 30 days from filing or at the next court date, whichever is later. A final order, if granted after a hearing, may last for a fixed period of at least 90 days and up to 10 years. The Arkansas law summary from WomensLaw explains these rules in plain language.
The Arkansas Attorney General’s Laura’s Card page also points survivors to victim rights, shelters, law enforcement, and court resources.
| Court step | What it means | Reality check |
|---|---|---|
| Petition | You write what happened and what protection you are asking for. | Be factual. If you can, ask an advocate or legal aid to review safety concerns. |
| Temporary order | A judge may issue short-term protection before the hearing. | It is not automatic. Keep copies only where it is safe. |
| Service | The other person must be legally served before the hearing. | Service problems can delay a case. Ask the clerk or legal aid what happens next. |
| Hearing | Both sides may appear, and the judge decides whether to issue a final order. | Arrive early if safe. Ask about separate waiting areas or remote options if available. |
Food, cash aid, health care, and child care after abuse
Leaving abuse can mean losing access to money, a car, documents, child care, food, or health coverage. Arkansas public benefits may help, but approval is not guaranteed and rules depend on your household, income, documents, and case details.
You can apply for SNAP, Medicaid, ARKids First, and TEA through Access Arkansas. The Arkansas DHS apply for services page also explains where to start. If you need an in-person office, use the DHS office map.
Food help
The Arkansas DHS SNAP page explains food assistance for eligible households. Ask DHS whether your case may qualify for faster processing if you have very little money or food. Our Arkansas food and benefit pages can also help you find next steps, including TEA cash help.
Cash assistance
Arkansas calls TANF cash assistance Transitional Employment Assistance, or TEA. The state TEA page says the program is time-limited and may include work-related supports such as transportation and child care. Ask DHS about any safety concerns before giving information that could expose your location.
WIC, health care, and child care
Pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding mothers and young children may be able to use Arkansas WIC. Children may qualify for ARKids First. Families who are working, in school, or meeting program rules may be able to ask about child care assistance. ASMOM also has state guides for WIC in Arkansas, health coverage, and child care help.
Crime victim compensation
The Arkansas Crime Victims Reparations Program may help some victims with certain costs tied to a violent crime. The state victim compensation page explains that the program is administered by the Department of Public Safety. Ask a shelter advocate, prosecutor victim-witness office, or legal aid office what documents may be needed before you apply.
Housing rights, rent help, and safer moves
If you live in public housing, have a Housing Choice Voucher, or live in certain federally assisted housing, the Violence Against Women Act may protect you from being denied housing or evicted only because you are a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. HUD’s HUD VAWA page explains these housing protections.
You may also be able to request an emergency transfer from a covered housing provider. Ask your housing authority or property manager for its VAWA emergency transfer plan. To find your local housing authority, use HUD’s PHA contacts. For more Arkansas rent and shelter paths, see ASMOM’s housing help guide.
Private leases are different
VAWA does not cover every private rental. Before breaking a lease, moving out, or signing a new agreement, ask legal aid or a housing advocate about your options. A shelter advocate may also know local rent help, motel help, or safe relocation resources.
Child support, custody, and safety
Child support can help children, but it can also create safety concerns when the other parent is abusive. Arkansas OCSE has a child support safety page for parents worried that a case could put them or their children in danger.
Parents who receive TEA, SNAP, Medicaid, ARKids First, or ARHOME may be told they must cooperate with child support. Arkansas OCSE explains the basic cooperation rules. If cooperation would be unsafe, ask DHS and OCSE about good cause or safety steps before you share information. For Arkansas-specific child support basics, see our child support guide.
Custody and visitation questions are legal questions. A protection order, custody order, divorce case, child support case, and criminal no-contact order can overlap. Get legal advice before assuming one paper changes another paper.
Address privacy and records
Arkansas has an Address Confidentiality Program through Driver Services. The official address program page says participants may receive a driver’s license or ID card that shows a post office box instead of a residential address. This is not the same as making every record private, so ask an advocate or legal aid what it can and cannot do.
If you are filing court papers, applying for benefits, enrolling a child in school, or dealing with child support, ask each office how to keep your address, phone number, school, and employer information private when safety is a concern.
Documents and information checklist
Do not risk your safety to gather papers. Many programs can tell you what alternatives may work. Bring or save only what you can get safely.
| Item | Why it helps | If you do not have it |
|---|---|---|
| ID for you | Benefits, shelter intake, court, school, banking, and medical care. | Ask the office what other proof they accept. |
| Child documents | School, child care, benefits, health coverage, and custody questions. | Ask school, DHS, or vital records how to replace them. |
| Proof of income | SNAP, TEA, child care, housing, Medicaid, and some local aid. | Ask if a written statement or employer record can be used. |
| Lease or bills | Rent help, utility help, VAWA housing requests, and address proof. | Ask 211 or legal aid what proof is needed for local programs. |
| Police, medical, or court papers | May help with protection orders, victim compensation, housing, or work issues. | Do not delay safety. Ask an advocate how to request copies later. |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Do not post your plan, location, shelter name, court date, or new school online.
- Do not assume a private lease has the same rules as federally assisted housing.
- Do not ignore child support safety concerns. Ask OCSE and DHS about safer handling.
- Do not miss a protection order hearing without asking the clerk or legal aid what to do.
- Do not wait for perfect documents before asking for help. Ask what substitutes are allowed.
Backup options if the first call does not work
If a shelter is full, ask the advocate to check nearby counties, nearby states, or temporary local options. If you cannot get through to one hotline, try The Hotline, Arkansas 211, or another local program.
If DHS says documents are missing, ask for the exact list in writing and ask whether a shelter, school, employer, or doctor can provide proof. If a landlord, housing authority, or benefits office ignores a safety request, contact legal aid.
If you are overwhelmed, mental health crisis support is available through the 988 Lifeline. For Arkansas-specific support pages, see mental health help, utility help, and community support.
Phone scripts
Calling a domestic violence program
“Hi, I’m a mother in Arkansas and I need to talk safely about domestic violence. I may need shelter or help making a plan. Can you tell me what options are available today and what information you need from me?”
Calling the circuit clerk
“Hi, I need to ask about filing for an order of protection. Where do I get the petition and affidavit, is there an advocate who can help, and what should I do if I am afraid to be in the same waiting area as the other person?”
Calling DHS
“Hi, I need to apply for benefits after a domestic violence situation. I am worried about my address and safe contact. How can I apply for SNAP, Medicaid or ARKids, and TEA while protecting my information?”
Calling child support
“Hi, I have safety concerns about the other parent. Before I give information or start a case, I need to ask what safety steps, confidentiality options, or good-cause process may apply.”
Resumen en español
Si usted o sus hijos están en peligro inmediato, llame al 911. Si puede usar un teléfono seguro, llame a la Línea Nacional contra la Violencia Doméstica al 800-799-7233 o contacte un refugio local en Arkansas. También puede llamar al 211 para buscar comida, vivienda, ayuda con renta, transporte y otros recursos.
Para una orden de protección, vaya o llame a la oficina del secretario del tribunal de circuito de su condado. Para SNAP, Medicaid, ARKids First o TEA, use Access Arkansas o una oficina local de DHS. Si pedir manutención infantil puede ponerle en peligro, pregunte a DHS y a Child Support sobre opciones de seguridad antes de compartir información.
FAQ
What should I do first if I am unsafe in Arkansas?
Call 911 if there is immediate danger. If you can safely use a phone, contact The Hotline, a local Arkansas domestic violence program, or Arkansas 211. An advocate can help you think about shelter, children, transportation, pets, court, and safer communication.
Can I get an order of protection without paying?
The Arkansas Judiciary says there is no charge to file a petition for an order of protection. Filing happens through the circuit clerk’s office. Whether a judge grants a temporary or final order depends on the facts and the law.
Where can I find a domestic violence shelter in Arkansas?
Use the Arkansas Coalition Against Domestic Violence shelter map or contact The Hotline. Shelter addresses may be private. If one program is full, ask about nearby counties, transportation, and backup options.
Can child support be handled safely?
Sometimes. Arkansas OCSE has information for parents worried about family violence. Tell DHS and OCSE if cooperation, location sharing, court contact, or enforcement could create danger, and ask about safety steps or good cause.
What if I need food, cash aid, health care, or child care after leaving?
Use Access Arkansas or contact DHS to ask about SNAP, Medicaid, ARKids First, and TEA. Ask the Office of Early Childhood about child care help. Rules vary by household, income, documents, and program funding.
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.