Domestic Violence and Abuse Help & Safety Resources for Single Mothers in New York

Last updated: September 2025

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EMERGENCY HELP FIRST

If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

• NYS 24/7 Domestic & Sexual Violence Hotline: 800-942-6906 (call), 844-997-2121 (text), or live chat via NYS Domestic & Sexual Violence Hotline chat. Calls, texts, and chat are confidential and available in most languages. (opdv.ny.gov)
• NYC 24/7 Domestic Violence Hotline (Safe Horizon): 800-621-4673 (HOPE). For shelter, safety planning, legal referrals, and counseling. (safehorizon.org)
• NYC Family Justice Centers (FJCs): One-stop help in every borough, Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Phone numbers by borough are below. Walk-in help is available. (nyc.gov)
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988 (24/7) for emotional support; press 1 for Veterans; Spanish and ASL options available. NYC residents can also use NYC 988. (fcc.gov, nyc988.cityofnewyork.us)

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Quick Help Box

• Safety now: Call 911 if danger is immediate. Create a basic safety plan (spare keys, packed essentials, safe words with kids). For a guided plan, use OPDV’s safety planning tool. (opdv.ny.gov)
• Find shelter fast: Call 800-942-6906 (statewide) or 800-621-4673 (NYC). If you have pets, ask for pet-friendly placement (see URI PALS below). (opdv.ny.gov, urinyc.org)
• Orders of Protection: You can file in Family Court; temporary orders may be issued the same day. Ask about a free “Hope Card.” (opdv.ny.gov)
• Money for moving, lost wages, property, and more: Apply to the NYS Office of Victim Services (OVS). Emergency awards are possible; typical caps include relocation up to $2,500\ast \ast ,funeralupto\ast \ast$6,000, and lost earnings up to $30,000. Details below. (ovs.ny.gov)
• Housing help (NYC): Ask the FJC or HRA about CityFHEPS/FHEPS rent supplements. Current maximums are listed below. (home.nyc.gov)
• Keep your address private: The NYS Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) gives you a substitute mailing address and forwards your mail. Call 855-350-4595 or apply online. (dos.ny.gov)

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Why This Guide (and What Others Miss)

Many online lists stop at hotline numbers. This guide adds the numbers you need plus the dollars, deadlines, step‑by‑steps, and real timelines for New York—what you asked for. We include current NY rules (through August–September 2025), exact rent caps for NYC subsidies, OVS benefit caps, how to file orders of protection quickly, and newer protections (like cutting off an abuser’s access to your car’s connected tech). Sources are official and dated.

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The Situation in New York

• New protections and tools: New York expanded who can be covered by orders of protection under Melanie’s Law (S.6288/A.6026, signed November 25, 2024)—courts can include immediate family and household members regardless of age. (governor.ny.gov)
• Gender-based violence trends: Outside NYC, intimate partner homicide victims decreased by 33% in 2023 vs. 2022; ERPOs (red flag orders) more than doubled in 2023 (9,266 orders). (opdv.ny.gov)
• NYC context: The City runs Family Justice Centers and the NYC HOPE Directory to connect survivors to legal, housing, and counseling services in all five boroughs. (cityofnewyork.github.io, nyc.gov)

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Table: Hotlines and One‑Stop Help in New York

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Immediate Safety, Orders of Protection, and ERPOs

The most important action item

• Get a temporary order of protection (Family Court): Go to your county Family Court’s Help Center (no filing fee). You can usually be heard the same day; if the judge finds “good cause,” a temporary order can be issued immediately. Police must serve the order for it to be valid. (opdv.ny.gov)

How to do it

• Where to file: Family Court in your county; find locations via NY CourtHelp: Filing a Family Offense Petition. If the abuser is arrested, a Criminal Court judge can issue an order at arraignment; Supreme Court can issue one in a divorce. (opdv.ny.gov)
• Eligibility: Current/former spouse or intimate partner, coparent, relative by blood/marriage; “intimate relationship” doesn’t have to be sexual. (ww2.nycourts.gov)
• Timeline reality check: You’ll get a next court date and may return several times; Family Court orders can last up to 2 years (or 5 years with aggravating factors). Final Criminal Court orders can be up to 8 years, depending on the case. A divorce judgment order is permanent. (opdv.ny.gov)
• Hope Card: After a final order, you can request a free wallet‑sized “Hope Card” and a digital version. Digital cards can arrive in about 30 minutes; physical cards ~10–30 days. (opdv.ny.gov)

Tech-assisted abuse and cars

• New connected vehicle law: As of May 15, 2025, you can require a car maker/app provider to cut an abuser’s access to your vehicle’s connected services (tracking, remote control) within 2 business days after you submit the required info (VIN, proof of possession, and a written statement you’re a DV victim). Providers must post how‑to instructions on their sites. (opdv.ny.gov)

If guns are involved

• Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPO/Red Flag): Family/household members, police, district attorneys, school officials, and healthcare professionals can petition. Temporary ERPOs can be decided the same day; final ERPOs can last up to 1 year. As of Feb 6, 2025, courts must report ERPOs to the statewide registry per S.3340/A.5873. Forms and steps are here: NY Courts ERPO. (ww2.nycourts.gov, nycourts.gov, governor.ny.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work

• Call the NYS Hotline (800-942-6906) for an advocate to accompany you to court, help with affidavits, and safety planning. If serving the order stalls, ask the sheriff or NYPD precinct DV officer for service attempts and document everything. Consider a Criminal Court order if there’s an arrest, and ask about an ERPO if firearms are present. (opdv.ny.gov, nycourts.gov)

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Money and Practical Supports

The most important action item

• Apply for NYS Office of Victim Services (OVS) compensation—even if you didn’t file a police report. As of a new law effective December 31, 2025, many survivors will no longer need law enforcement documentation and will have three years (not one) to apply. Ask about an emergency award if you’re in crisis. File online via the OVS Victim Services Portal. (ovs.ny.gov)

Table: OVS Compensation Snapshot (common caps)

• Emergency awards: For urgent needs (e.g., locks, moving, loss of income, funeral), OVS can decide within about 24–72 hours if your application is complete. Contact [email protected] or fax 518-402-0921 after filing to request expedited review. Emergency caps are generally $2,500\ast \ast (mostitems)and\ast \ast$3,000 for funeral. Typical full claim processing may take weeks to months; payments often go out within 2–6 weeks after the award letter. (crimevictimshelpny.org, scribd.com)
• For sexual assault exams: You won’t be billed for a forensic exam (FRE). OVS pays providers directly up to tiered Medicaid‑rate amounts—e.g., $1,200\ast \ast ifakitisused;\ast \ast$1,500 with a 7‑day HIV PEP starter (18+); $2,500 for survivors under 18 with full HIV PEP. Reporting to police is not required; kits must be preserved for 20 years. (ovs.ny.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work

• Ask an OVS‑funded advocate to upload missing documents via the portal; this speeds decisions. If denied, you generally have 30 days to appeal within OVS; then less than 4 months for an Article 78 court review. For emergency awards, confirm your app is complete and ask for “expedited” review. (crimevictimshelpny.org)

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Housing: Staying or Leaving Safely

The most important action item

• In NYC, talk to your borough Family Justice Center or call 311 to access housing help the same day and to get connected to HRA/DSS programs like CityFHEPS or FHEPS. Outside NYC, call the NYS Hotline (800-942-6906) to reach a DV program that can coordinate shelter and housing. (nyc.gov, opdv.ny.gov)

CityFHEPS and FHEPS rent supplements (NYC)

HRA/DSS sets payment standards (maximum rents) for CityFHEPS and FHEPS. Below are the current core “all utilities included” caps (effective 1/1/2024; HRA notes updates effective 7/1/2025 for some forms). Always confirm utility adjustments and bedroom sizing with HRA. (home.nyc.gov, nyc.gov)

Source: HRA Community Updates—CityFHEPS/FHEPS payment standards (see full tables, including utility adjustments and larger bedroom sizes). (home.nyc.gov)

• Program notes: For some HPD affordable units, “Augmented CityFHEPS” will continue but capped at 120% of 2024 HUD FMR through June 15, 2027, phasing in from April 15, 2025. Existing tenants are not affected. (rosenbergestis.com, residenewyork.com)
• Home+ (NYC): Lock changes, window/door repairs, panic pendants, and flexible mini‑grants to help you safely remain in your home. Ask your FJC to connect you to Home+. (nyc.gov)
• NYCHA Emergency Transfers (public housing/Section 8): If you’re a VAWA victim, you may qualify for a safety transfer; NYCHA must keep your location confidential and process requests promptly. Contact NYCHA Customer Contact Center 718-707-7771 or use Self‑Service Portal. (nyc.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work

• If a landlord refuses to rent to you because of your victim of domestic violence status, that’s illegal under NYS and NYC Human Rights Laws. File with NYS DHR (888-392-3644) or the NYC Commission on Human Rights via 311. (dhr.ny.gov, home.nyc.gov)

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Legal Protections at Work and in Housing

• Statewide Human Rights Law: Protects DV survivors against discrimination in employment, housing, education, and public accommodations. File a complaint within 3 years for acts on/after 2/15/2024. (dhr.ny.gov)
• NYC Paid Safe and Sick Leave: Most NYC workers get up to 40–56 hours paid safe/sick leave per year (depending on employer size) to attend court, meet with advocates, relocate, enroll kids in school, etc. Employers must provide written policies and show balances on paystubs or an electronic system. (nyc.gov)
• State Safe Leave: Statewide paid sick/safe leave (40 or 56 hours depending on employer size) also covers DV‑related reasons. (ny.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work

• For workplace retaliation or denial of leave, contact NYC DCWP at 311 (Paid Safe & Sick Leave) or NYS DHR at 888-392-3644. Document requests and denials. (nyc.gov, dhr.ny.gov)

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Table: How to Get an Order of Protection (Family Court)

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Address Confidentiality and Technology Safety

• Address Confidentiality Program (ACP): Free substitute address for mail and records. Call 855-350-4595 or apply online; other household members may be eligible. (dos.ny.gov)
• Connected vehicle access: See the section above to cut off an abuser’s access to in‑car apps and tracking within 2 business days after your request. (opdv.ny.gov)
• OPDV Tech Safety: See OPDV tech‑abuse resources and multi‑language materials. (opdv.ny.gov)

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Diverse Communities

• LGBTQ+ single mothers: NYC FJCs and the NYS Hotline serve everyone regardless of gender identity or orientation; ask about culturally competent providers and inclusive shelters. For example, In Our Own Voices (Capital Region) provides LGBTQ+‑affirming services at 518-432-4188. (nyscadv.org)
• Single mothers with disabilities or disabled children: Advocates can request reasonable accommodations at court and FJCs; OPDV highlights higher victimization rates among people with disabilities. Ask the court for interpreters and accessible rooms. (opdv.ny.gov)
• Veteran single mothers: Dial 988, then press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line. Ask FJCs about specialized legal and counseling supports. (fcc.gov)
• Immigrant/refugee single moms: You may qualify for immigration relief such as VAWA self‑petition, U visa, or T visa. VAWA allows confidential filing by survivors abused by a U.S. citizen/LPR spouse or certain relatives; no filing fee for the I‑360 VAWA petition. Use official guidance: USCIS VAWA Q&A and DHS overview. Be cautious of “notario” scams—seek help from reputable nonprofits (e.g., Sanctuary for Families). (usscis.org, dhs.gov)
• Tribal‑specific resources: Survivors have access to the NYS Hotline and can ask for culturally specific programs. If you are a student on SUNY campuses, see SUNY SAFE for no‑cost forensic exams and supports. (suny.edu)
• Rural single moms with limited access: Ask the NYS Hotline to coordinate transportation, virtual court appearances, and regional shelter options. Many programs can safety‑plan over phone/text/chat. (opdv.ny.gov)
• Single fathers: All services above apply regardless of gender; hotline and FJCs will assist. (nyc.gov)
• Language access: Hotlines and FJCs provide interpretation in many languages; OPDV chat/text is available in most languages 24/7. (opdv.ny.gov)

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Table: NYC Family Justice Centers (Contact & Hours)

Sources: NYC Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender‑Based Violence (ENDGBV). (nyc.gov)

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Regional Organizations (Selected)

Use these as starting points; each can connect you to 24/7 help and shelter. For a statewide by‑county directory, search the NYSCADV Program Directory. In NYC, use the NYC HOPE Directory.

• Downstate:
  • Westchester: Hope’s Door 888-438-8700; My Sister’s Place 800-298-7233. (opdv.ny.gov)
  • Nassau: The Safe Center LI 516-542-0404. (opdv.ny.gov)
  • Suffolk: LI Against Domestic Violence 631-666-8833; ECLI‑VIBES 631-360-3606; Brighter Tomorrows 631-395-1800. (opdv.ny.gov)
• NYC citywide:
  • Safe Horizon: 800-621-4673 (HOPE); legal, shelter, counseling. (safehorizon.org)
  • Sanctuary for Families: Legal helpline 212-349-6009 (press extensions per need). (sanctuaryforfamilies.org)
  • Her Justice (free legal help for low‑income women): 212-695-3800. (herjustice.org)
• Upstate (examples):
  • Albany/Capital Region: Equinox 518-432-7865; In Our Own Voices (LGBTQ+) 518-432-4188. (nyscadv.org)
  • Rochester/Monroe: Willow Center 585-222-7233. (opdv.ny.gov)
  • Syracuse/Onondaga: Vera House 315-468-3260. (opdv.ny.gov)
  • Erie/Buffalo: Erie County Family Justice Center 716-558-7233. (opdv.ny.gov)
• Leaving with pets: Urban Resource Institute (URI) PALS operates pet‑friendly DV shelters across NYC; ask for a PALS placement. (urinyc.org)

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Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

Sources as linked above. (opdv.ny.gov, safehorizon.org, dos.ny.gov, ww2.nycourts.gov)

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Application Checklist

• Order of Protection (Family Court):
  • Photo ID; any evidence (texts, photos, medical notes).
  • Address Confidentiality Affidavit if needed (ask the clerk).
  • Ask for a temporary order the same day and police service. (nycourts.gov)
• OVS Compensation:
  • Completed online application and signed authorization page.
  • Proof of expenses (receipts, bills, pay stubs for lost wages).
  • If seeking Emergency Award, email [email protected] after filing and request expedited review. (ovs.ny.gov, crimevictimshelpny.org)
• CityFHEPS/FHEPS (NYC):
  • Photo ID, income proof, lease or housing offer, and any DV documentation (ask for DVL waivers if unsafe to provide certain docs).
  • Confirm the correct payment standard for your bedroom size and utilities. (home.nyc.gov)
• Address Confidentiality Program:
  • VIN/proof of possession only applies to connected vehicle requests; ACP requires application and proof you’ve moved or plan to move for safety. Call 855-350-4595 for help. (dos.ny.gov)

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not asking for the Domestic Violence Liaison (DVL) at DSS/HRA: DVLs can grant waivers of child support cooperation, work activities, and other rules when they put you at risk. Ask for a DVL right away. (opdv.ny.gov, casetext.com)
• Waiting to file for OVS: Even with the expanded law taking effect December 31, 2025, apply as soon as you can. Emergency awards require a complete application. (ovs.ny.gov)
• Not documenting service/violations: Keep copies of your order, Hope Card, and a violation log. Violations can be prosecuted as criminal contempt. (opdv.ny.gov)
• Missing rent cap details: For CityFHEPS/FHEPS, confirm your utility scenario and bedroom size; shopping letters and utility allowances affect the final rent. (home.nyc.gov)
• Ignoring tech risks: Change passwords, log out of shared accounts, and use the connected vehicle law to cut off car app access. (opdv.ny.gov)

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What to Expect: Realistic Timelines

• Family Court temporary order: often same day; final order may take multiple appearances. (opdv.ny.gov)
• Hope Card: digital within ~30 minutes (online request); physical ~10–30 days. (opdv.ny.gov)
• OVS emergency award: often 24–72 hours after a complete application and expedited request; full decisions can take weeks to months; payments frequently 2–6 weeks after award. (scribd.com, crimevictimshelpny.org)
• CityFHEPS/FHEPS move‑in: timing varies; start early with your FJC/HRA worker; confirm the unit meets program standards within the cap. (home.nyc.gov)

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Real‑World Examples (composites for privacy)

• Bronx: A mom of two used the Bronx FJC to file a Family Court petition in the morning and got a temporary order that day; she requested a Hope Card and received the digital version the same afternoon. She coordinated with HRA for CityFHEPS at the 1‑bedroom cap of $2,696 while staying with family for two weeks. (nyc.gov, home.nyc.gov)
• Buffalo: After a violent incident, a mother received an OVS emergency award for new locks and partial lost wages within 48 hours, then a relocation award to cover the moving truck and storage (up to $2,500 allowed). (ovs.ny.gov, scribd.com)
• Queens: A survivor with a shared car subscription used the connected vehicle law to cut off the abuser’s app access within 2 business days by submitting the VIN, registration, and a written statement to the provider. (opdv.ny.gov)

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Table: ERPO vs. Family Court Order of Protection

Sources: NY Courts and OPDV. (ww2.nycourts.gov, nycourts.gov, opdv.ny.gov)

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Table: Forensic Sexual Assault Exam—What’s Covered

Source: OVS FRE Direct Reimbursement Program. (ovs.ny.gov)

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Statewide Data Points to Know

• Orders and safety tools: ERPOs more than doubled in 2023 statewide (9,266 orders). ACP participation rose 17% vs. 2022. (opdv.ny.gov)
• Outside NYC homicides: Intimate partner homicide victims decreased 33% from 2022 to 2023. (opdv.ny.gov)

These help set expectations and show where tools are working.

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Ten New York–Specific FAQs

• How do I start a Family Court case quickly: Go to the Family Court Help Center early in the day; ask to file a Family Offense Petition; ask for a temporary order and police service. It’s free. (nycourts.gov)
• Can adult family members be added to my order: Yes—under Melanie’s Law, courts can include immediate family or household members regardless of age. (governor.ny.gov)
• What if I can’t safely cooperate with child support or work rules: Ask for the Domestic Violence Liaison (DVL) at DSS/HRA; waivers of child support cooperation, employment, and other requirements are available when they put you at risk. (opdv.ny.gov, casetext.com)
• How fast can I get money for moving/locks: With a complete OVS application and an emergency award request, decisions often come in 24–72 hours. (scribd.com)
• Do I have to report to police for OVS: Under the new law effective December 31, 2025, documentation from law enforcement will no longer be required in many cases; until then, talk to an advocate about alternatives and “good cause” explanations. (ovs.ny.gov)
• Can the court take away my abuser’s guns: You can seek an ERPO; police, DAs, school officials, and healthcare professionals can also file. Temporary orders can be issued the same day. (nycourts.gov)
• Can I keep my address private on school, DMV, and court records: Yes—apply to the Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) and ask courts for confidentiality. (dos.ny.gov)
• What if my abuser tracks our car: Use New York’s Connected Vehicle Service law to terminate their access within 2 business days after your request. (opdv.ny.gov)
• How much rent help can I get with CityFHEPS/FHEPS: For example, a 2‑bedroom family (3–4 people) can go up to $3,027 with all utilities included; see the full table for your household and utilities. (home.nyc.gov)
• I’m undocumented—do I still get help: Yes. Hotlines and shelters don’t check status. You may qualify for VAWA, U, or T visas; get advice from trusted legal nonprofits (e.g., Sanctuary for Families 212-349-6009). (sanctuaryforfamilies.org, usscis.org)

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About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

This guide uses official sources from New York Department of Human Services, USDA, HUD, and established nonprofits.

This guide is produced based on our Editorial Standards using only official sources, regularly updated and monitored, but not affiliated with any government agency and not a substitute for official agency guidance. Individual eligibility outcomes cannot be guaranteed.

Last verified: September 2025, next review: April 2026.

Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur—email info@asinglemother.org with corrections and we respond within 72 hours.

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Disclaimer

Information changes: Benefit caps, eligibility rules, and timelines can change quickly. Always verify details with the relevant agency before making decisions.

Safety and privacy: Use a safe device and clear your browser history. If you’re worried about your safety online, ask an advocate to help you plan safe browsing.

Not legal advice: This content is general information, not legal counsel. For legal advice, contact an attorney or a legal aid organization listed above.

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Sources (selected and dated)

• NYS Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence—Hotline, orders, dashboards, Home+, SAFE funds, connected vehicle law pages (accessed September 2025). (opdv.ny.gov, nyc.gov)
• NYC ENDGBV—Family Justice Centers and NYC HOPE Directory (accessed September 2025). (nyc.gov, cityofnewyork.github.io)
• OVS—Compensation benefits and FRE tiers (accessed September 2025). (ovs.ny.gov)
• HRA/DSS—CityFHEPS & FHEPS payment standards (accessed September 2025). (home.nyc.gov)
• Governor’s Office—Melanie’s Law press release (Nov 25, 2024). (governor.ny.gov)
• NY Courts—ERPO forms and CourtHelp (accessed September 2025). (ww2.nycourts.gov, nycourts.gov)
• NYS Division of Human Rights—DV discrimination protections (accessed September 2025). (dhr.ny.gov)
• NYC DCWP—Paid Safe and Sick Leave (accessed September 2025). (nyc.gov)
• NYS Address Confidentiality Program (accessed September 2025). (dos.ny.gov)
• 988 Lifeline/FCC (accessed September 2025). (fcc.gov)

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What to do next

• Call the NYS Hotline now (800-942-6906) or your borough FJC to map out a safe move today, file for a temporary order, and line up money for locks, moving, and rent. It’s okay to take this one step at a time—you don’t have to do it alone. (opdv.ny.gov, nyc.gov)

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🏛️More New York Resources for Single Mothers

Explore all assistance programs in 34 categories available in New York

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