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

Last updated: September 2025

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Quick Help Box

• Emergency: If you or your child are in danger right now, call 911. Tell the dispatcher “domestic violence,” give your location, and keep the line open if you can.
• Wyoming local advocates: Call your nearest 24/7 program for safety planning and shelter. See the regional hotline table below or call Wyoming 211 at (888) 425-7138 to be connected. (dvs.wyo.gov, wyoming211.org)
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-7233 or text START to 88788 for 24/7 confidential help with safety planning, shelter, and legal options. Chat is also available. (wyomingdvsa.org)
• StrongHearts Native Helpline (for Native/Tribal survivors): (844) 762-8483 (call or text, 24/7). Cultural, confidential advocacy; serves all, with a focus on Native communities including Wind River. (strongheartshelpline.org)
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 any time for emotional crisis support; Wyoming centers answer locally. (health.wyo.gov)
• Legal help for protection orders and civil issues: Legal Aid of Wyoming hotline (877) 432-9955. (lawyoming.org)

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Emergency First Steps

If danger is immediate: Call 911. If safe, leave with your children and pets. Avoid kitchens/garages where weapons are common. When officers arrive, ask for the report number. (wyomingsafehouse.org)

If you can leave now: Take IDs, birth certificates, health cards, keys, cash, meds, important school/medical papers, a safe contact list, and your protection order if you have one.

If you’re not ready to leave: Call an advocate to build a safety plan that fits your life and county resources. Use a safe phone/computer—abusers can monitor devices. (wyomingdvsa.org)

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How to Get a Wyoming Protection Order Fast

Why this matters: A judge can order the abuser to stay away, give you temporary custody, sole use of the home, child support, pet protection, and even transfer your cell number to you. Orders are enforceable statewide, and violations are crimes. (womenslaw.org, law.justia.com)

Steps to file

• Where to file: Go to the Circuit Court clerk where you or the abuser live, are temporarily staying, or where the abuse happened. Filing is free. Clerks must have standard forms. (wyoleg.gov)
• Timeline: Judges can issue an ex parte temporary order the same day. A hearing on a long-term order must be held within 72 hours (or as soon as possible). (law.justia.com)
• Service: The court arranges serving the respondent—even if they’re out-of-state. Don’t do this yourself. (new.womenslaw.org)
• Duration: Final orders can last up to 3 years and can be renewed for additional 3‑year periods. If the abuser is incarcerated, the order’s clock “tolls,” extending protection. (law.justia.com)
• What judges can include: No contact; sole use of the home; safe child exchanges; supervised visitation; temporary custody/child support; payment of abuse‑related medical costs; pet protection; and transfer of your phone number to you alone. (womenslaw.org)
• Keep your address private: Ask the judge to keep your address confidential in court records. Wyoming also allows confidentiality orders for your address in related cases. (law.justia.com)

What to bring if possible: A photo of the abuser, any threatening texts/voicemails, medical records, police reports, and details of recent incidents (dates/places). If you don’t have these, you can still file.

Where to get help filling forms: Local DV advocates will help you complete forms and attend court; Legal Aid of Wyoming can advise on next steps at (877) 432-9955. (lawyoming.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: If service fails or the judge doesn’t grant a temporary order, you still get a hearing within 72 hours. Ask the clerk or advocate how to request a continuance and an extension of any temporary order until the respondent is served. (womenslaw.org)

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Proven Wyoming Safety Supports for Single Moms

Quick-reference hotlines and key contacts

Reality check: In rural counties, shelter space may be tight on certain days. Advocates can safety‑plan interim options (e.g., hotel vouchers, pet fostering partners, relocation). Ask about “hotel/motel” stopgaps and pet boarding grants if beds are full. (redrover.org, csnjh.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Call another nearby county program (they can house out‑of‑county), the National Hotline, or Wyoming 211 for transportation assistance and alternate shelter placements. (wyomingdvsa.org, wyoming211.org)

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Financial Help Right Away

Crime Victim Compensation (CVC) — Wyoming Attorney General’s Division of Victim Services

• What it pays: Medical/dental care, counseling, funeral costs, lost wages, loss of support, travel to court/medical, replacement of clothing/bedding taken as evidence. Not for property loss or pain/suffering. (justice.gov)
• Maximums: Up to $15,000\ast \ast pervictim/dependent;upto\ast \ast$10,000 additional for catastrophic injury; generally covers losses within 24 months (mental health up to 36 months). (law.justia.com)
• Deadline to apply: Within 1 year of the crime (extensions possible for good cause). (law.justia.com)
• How to apply: Contact your local DV/SA program to complete and submit the application, or contact DVS at (307) 777-7200. Forms available via DVS. (dvs.wyo.gov)
• Special note for sexual assault exams: You should not be billed for the forensic exam. DVS or law enforcement covers exam costs, with CVC available for other related medical bills. Offenders can be ordered to reimburse costs. (law.justia.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work: If denied for missing documents, you usually have 30 days after notice to supply more info or amend; ask your advocate to help appeal. (law.justia.com)

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Food, Cash, Energy, and Child Care Supports That Often Help Survivors Stabilize

Use these while you’re transitioning to safety. Advocates can help you apply quickly.

• SNAP food benefits: Maximum monthly amounts (FY 2025) for the 48 states.

  Household size	Max SNAP
  1	$292
  2	$536
  3	$768
  4	$975
  5	$1,158
  6	$1,390
  7	$1,536
  8	$1,756
  Each add’l	+$220

  Apply with Wyoming DFS; interviews are by phone. Program info, forms, and interviews line (307) 777-8550; general SNAP questions (307) 473-3948; submit docs to snappowerservice@wyo.gov. (fns.usda.gov, dfs.wyo.gov)
  • Tip: If you have very low income and limited cash, ask DFS about expedited issuance. Many households with no or very low income qualify for faster help. (dfs.wyo.gov)
  • EBT assistance: Check balance at ebtEDGE or call (877) 290-9401. If you must use your EBT in a blocked state, call DFS at (307) 777-6082 to request a temporary override. (dfs.wyo.gov)

  What to do if this doesn’t work: Call Wyoming 211 ((888) 425-7138) for food pantry referrals while your case is pending. (wyoming211.org)

• TANF cash assistance (POWER): For a family of three with no income, typical monthly assistance can be about $781\ast \ast .Assetlimitis\ast \ast$5,000. Income guidelines update annually (July–June). (dfs.wyo.gov)
  • Domestic violence “Good Cause” safety option: You can request a waiver from child support cooperation if pursuing support would put you or your child at risk. Wyoming Child Support will decide Good Cause within about 5–20 business days depending on documents. Ask your caseworker about the Family Violence Indicator to protect your address. (wychildsupportpolicymanual.wyo.gov)

  What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your DFS caseworker for a supervisor review and connect with an advocate to document safety risks for Good Cause; Legal Aid of Wyoming (877) 432-9955 can also help. (lawyoming.org)

• WIC (for pregnant/postpartum moms and kids under 5): Monthly fruit/vegetable benefits (FY 2025): children $26\ast \ast ;pregnant/postpartum\ast \ast$47; fully/mostly breastfeeding $52\ast \ast .Infantjarredsubstitution:half\ast \ast$11, full $22. Apply at your county WIC clinic. (fns.usda.gov)

  What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your clinic about scheduling at a nearby county or a remote appointment option; WIC must provide equal access statewide. (fns.usda.gov)

• Heating help (LIEAP): Income up to 60% of Wyoming median may qualify. FY 2025 benefits ranged from $49\ast \ast to\ast \ast$2,176; winter crisis benefits up to $550. Season generally opens in fall; crisis help typically starts October 1. Apply online through DFS. (liheapch.acf.gov)

  What to do if this doesn’t work: Request crisis prevention/repair if you’re out of fuel or have a disconnect notice; ask your advocate for a warming‑center or utility‑partner referral. (dfs.wyo.gov)

• Child care assistance: Wyoming’s ECARES portal helps you check eligibility and apply. Subsidies can cover care while you work, job‑hunt, or attend training; you may have a small co‑pay based on income. ECARES went live statewide in August 2025. For help, call DFS Child Care ((307) 777-7290) or your licenser. (dfs.wyo.gov)

  What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask about transitional child care if your income just increased; you may keep assistance for a time after employment. (dfs.wyo.gov)

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Your Housing Rights if You’re in HUD‑assisted Housing

• VAWA protects you in covered housing: A landlord can’t evict or deny admission just because you’re a DV/SA/stalking survivor; you can request an emergency transfer if you fear harm. Ask for HUD forms 5380/5381/5382/5383. (hud.gov, law.cornell.edu)
• Emergency transfers: If you reasonably fear imminent harm at your current unit, you can request a safe, quick transfer. Document the request in writing. (law.cornell.edu)

What to do if this doesn’t work: File a VAWA complaint with HUD Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) or ask your PHA for its public Emergency Transfer Plan. (hud.gov)

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Keep Your Address and Phone Safer in Wyoming

• Court confidentiality: You can ask the court to keep your address confidential during proceedings; judges shall grant it when safety risks exist. (law.justia.com)
• Phone number safety: Judges can order your phone number moved into your name only and block the respondent from accessing associated data. Ask for this in your petition. (womenslaw.org)
• Address Confidentiality Program: Wyoming does not currently operate a state address confidentiality program. Ask your advocate about alternate mailing options (e.g., P.O. box, trusted third‑party address) and about confidentiality orders in your case. (sos.mo.gov, sos.mn.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask the clerk how to file a motion for confidentiality and talk with Child Support about the Family Violence Indicator on your case. (wychildsupportpolicymanual.wyo.gov)

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Regional Wyoming Shelters and Hotlines

These 24/7 lines serve all survivors (women, men, teens) and can assist single moms with kids and pets. If one program is full, ask them to call neighboring counties for you.

If your county isn’t listed here, call Wyoming 211 ((888) 425-7138) or see the full DVS provider directory. (dvs.wyo.gov)

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Safety With Pets

• Include pets in your plan: Wyoming judges can give you sole possession of household pets and order no contact with the pet. (womenslaw.org)
• Pet sheltering: Ask your advocate about RedRover grants for up to 45 days of pet boarding and about local “Safe Haven” partnerships (e.g., Park County Animal Shelter with Crisis Intervention Services, PAWS of Jackson Hole with Community Safety Network). (redrover.org, csnjh.org, cis-park.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask another county program to help place your pet temporarily or request an order for the abuser to stay away from your pet while you arrange boarding. (womenslaw.org)

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Legal Help and Victim Rights

• Legal aid: Call Legal Aid of Wyoming (877) 432-9955 for civil legal help (protection orders, custody, housing). (lawyoming.org)
• Victim rights and restitution: Federal and state law provide rights to be informed and to seek restitution; contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office Victim/Witness staff at (800) 836-5801 for federal cases. (justice.gov)
• Victim notification: Register with WDOC Victim Services ((307) 777-5822) for custody/parole updates; information is confidential. (corrections.wyo.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your county attorney’s victim/witness program to help you re‑enroll or update contact info if you move. (dvs.wyo.gov)

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Data Snapshot: Wyoming

• Prevalence: About 33.9% of Wyoming women and 30.5% of men experience intimate partner violence/stalking in their lifetimes. (health.wyo.gov)
• Courts respond quickly: Hearings in protection‑order cases are generally within 72 hours of filing or the temporary order. (law.justia.com)
• Programs statewide: Every county has a DV/SA program or access to one; DVS maintains the statewide provider list. (dvs.wyo.gov)

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Diverse Communities

• LGBTQ+ single mothers: Ask an advocate to note preferred name/pronouns and any safety needs related to outing. For crisis support, the National Hotline is affirming, and 988 is available 24/7; local programs serve all survivors. (wyomingdvsa.org, health.wyo.gov)
• Single mothers with disabilities or with disabled children: Ask courts for accessible accommodations and safe child‑exchange orders. Wyoming 211 can help locate accessible shelter units and in‑home services. (888) 425-7138. (wyoming211.org)
• Veteran single mothers: You can call 988 and press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line; ask VA social work for intimate partner violence assistance and safety‑planning support at your VA clinic. (health.wyo.gov)
• Immigrant/refugee single moms: Protection orders and most services are available regardless of immigration status. Ask about U‑Visa/T‑Visa/VAWA immigration options; Legal Aid or the WCADVSA legal team can advise or refer. (lawyoming.org, immigrationadvocates.org)
• Tribal‑specific support: StrongHearts (844) 762-8483 offers culturally grounded advocacy; Wind River Tribal Victim Services can help with protection orders in Tribal or state court. (strongheartshelpline.org, windrivertvs.org)
• Rural single moms: If shelter is far, ask for hotel vouchers, gas cards, or safe meeting locations with law enforcement for child exchanges. Programs regularly help across county lines. (dvs.wyo.gov)
• Single fathers: All services are available to any survivor; ask for parenting‑time provisions that prioritize child safety. (womenslaw.org)
• Language access: Courts and programs can arrange interpreters; the National Hotline offers multi‑language advocacy. (wyomingdvsa.org)

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Region-by-Region Quick Directory

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not asking for what you need in the order: If you want phone number transfer, pet protection, safe child exchanges, or no firearms contact, say so. Judges can include these. (womenslaw.org)
• Skipping documentation: Save threatening texts/voicemails and take photos of injuries/damage when safe. Your statement still matters if you have no documents, but evidence helps.
• Missing the CVC deadline: Apply within 1 year; your advocate can submit for you. (law.justia.com)
• Child support risks: If you fear retaliation, ask for a Good Cause waiver before child support is pursued and request the Family Violence Indicator to protect your address. (wychildsupportpolicymanual.wyo.gov)
• Using unsafe devices: Use a safer phone or computer; abusers can monitor. (wyomingdvsa.org)

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Application Checklist

• Identity and family: Photo ID, kids’ birth certificates, Social Security numbers (if you have them).
• Safety/legal: Any police reports, case numbers, prior orders, threatening messages, injury photos.
• Money/benefits: Proof of income (paystubs, child support orders), rent/utility bills, childcare costs.
• Health: Medicaid/WIC cards, prescriptions, medical bills from the assault.
• Pets: Vet records, licenses, photos; list of needs for boarding or foster care.
• Contacts: Safe phone numbers and addresses for two trusted people (not shared with the abuser).

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Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

• 911: Immediate danger—say “domestic violence” and your location.
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-7233; text START to 88788. (wyomingdvsa.org)
• StrongHearts Native Helpline: (844) 762-8483 (call/text). (strongheartshelpline.org)
• Wyoming 211: (888) 425-7138 for local shelter and aid referrals. (wyoming211.org)
• Attorney General – DVS: (307) 777-7200 for compensation/programs. (dvs.wyo.gov)
• Legal Aid of Wyoming: (877) 432-9955. (lawyoming.org)
• 988 Lifeline: 988 (call/text). (health.wyo.gov)

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Frequently Asked Questions (Wyoming‑specific)

1. How fast can I get a protection order in Wyoming: Courts may issue a temporary order the same day and must hold a hearing within 72 hours (or as soon as possible). (law.justia.com)
2. Do I pay court fees to file: No. Filing for a protection order is free statewide. (wyoleg.gov)
3. Can the judge protect my kids and pets: Yes. Judges can order temporary custody/child support, safe exchanges, supervised visitation, and pet protection/no contact. (womenslaw.org)
4. What if the abuser violates the order: Violations are crimes and enforceable anywhere in Wyoming. Call 911 and report the violation. (law.justia.com)
5. Who pays for sexual assault exams: You should not be billed for the forensic exam; DVS or law enforcement pays. Related costs may be covered by Crime Victim Compensation. (law.justia.com)
6. What does Crime Victim Compensation cover and how much: Medical/counseling/lost wages/funeral and more; up to $15,000\ast \ast perclaimplusupto\ast \ast$10,000 for catastrophic injury; generally within 24–36 months of the crime. Apply within 1 year. (law.justia.com)
7. Can I get food or cash help quickly: SNAP and TANF/POWER can help while you stabilize. A family of three with no income may get about $781\ast \ast inTANF,andSNAPmaxforfouris\ast \ast$975 per month in FY 2025. (dfs.wyo.gov, fns.usda.gov)
8. What if child support makes things more dangerous: Ask DFS/Child Support for a Good Cause waiver and to mark the Family Violence Indicator on your case to keep your address confidential. (wychildsupportpolicymanual.wyo.gov)
9. I live in a HUD‑assisted unit—can I be evicted because of abuse: No. VAWA protects your tenancy and lets you request an emergency transfer if you fear harm. (hud.gov)
10. Is there a statewide Wyoming hotline: Wyoming relies on county programs and national hotlines. Use your local 24/7 number in the table above, the National Hotline (800) 799‑7233, StrongHearts (844) 762‑8483, or Wyoming 211 at (888) 425‑7138 for connections. (wyomingdvsa.org, strongheartshelpline.org, wyoming211.org)

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Real‑World Example

• Cheyenne mom with two kids and a dog: An advocate helped her file for an ex parte order before noon; the judge signed it; service happened that afternoon; she moved into Safehouse that night. Her dog boarded through a local partner using a RedRover grant, and she applied for SNAP the next day using the interview line (307) 777‑8550. Within a week she had a longer‑term safety plan and a CVC application in process. Results vary by county and capacity, but advocates can coordinate these same steps for you. (wyomingsafehouse.org, redrover.org, dfs.wyo.gov)

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What the Top Search Results Often Miss—and How This Guide Fills the Gaps

• Exact benefit amounts and deadlines: We list current SNAP maximums (FY 2025), WIC CVB amounts (FY 2025), LIEAP ranges (FY 2025), TANF typical payments, CVC caps, and application deadlines—so you aren’t sent on a scavenger hunt. (fns.usda.gov, liheapch.acf.gov, dfs.wyo.gov, law.justia.com)
• Concrete legal timelines: Many pages don’t tell you that Wyoming must hold a protection‑order hearing within 72 hours and that final orders can last 3 years and be renewed. (law.justia.com)
• Safety with child support: This guide explains Wyoming’s Good Cause waiver and Family Violence Indicator—vital for many single moms. (wychildsupportpolicymanual.wyo.gov)
• Rural workarounds and pet options: We include hotel vouchers/pet boarding pathways and local partnerships that matter in low‑population counties. (redrover.org, cis-park.org)

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About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

Methodology: We use only official Wyoming and federal sources and established statewide nonprofits. We directly link you to statutes, state agencies, and program portals for Wyoming.

Editorial Standards: See our full Editorial Policy. Our process includes primary‑source verification, archiving key pages, and change‑tracking. We distinguish verified facts from guidance and update within 48 hours of confirmed policy changes. This page reflects state and federal information verified for Wyoming. Last updated September 2025. (wyomingdvsa.org)

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

Corrections: If you spot an error or a broken link, email info@asinglemother.org. We respond within 48–72 hours.

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Disclaimer

Purpose: This guide provides practical, people‑first information to help Wyoming single mothers find safety and support. It is not legal advice or a guarantee of individual outcomes.

Program changes: Dollar amounts, rules, and timelines can change. Always verify details with the linked agency or your local program before acting.

Health and site safety: For medical or mental‑health emergencies, call 911 or 988. Use a safe device—computer/phone activity can be monitored. If needed, use public computers (library, friend) or call a hotline instead of searching at home. (wyomingdvsa.org)

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Sources (selected)

• Wyoming Coalition Against DV/SA: find help and contact info. (wyomingdvsa.org)
• WY Attorney General – Division of Victim Services: compensation, providers. (dvs.wyo.gov)
• WY Statutes on protection orders and confidentiality (35‑21‑103 to 106, 112). (wyoleg.gov, wyoleg.gov, law.justia.com)
• CVC standards/deadlines (1‑40‑106, 1‑40‑109). (law.justia.com)
• Sexual assault exam payment (6‑2‑309). (law.justia.com)
• USDA FNS SNAP FY 2025 COLA. (fns.usda.gov)
• WY DFS SNAP program information and contacts. (dfs.wyo.gov)
• WIC FY 2025 CVB amounts. (fns.usda.gov)
• LIHEAP Clearinghouse profile for Wyoming (FY 2025). (liheapch.acf.gov)
• Child Support Good Cause and Family Violence Indicator policies. (wychildsupportpolicymanual.wyo.gov)
• 988 Lifeline (Wyoming centers and state info). (health.wyo.gov)
• RedRover pet safety grants; local pet‑safe shelter partnerships. (redrover.org, csnjh.org, cis-park.org)

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If you need help right now, call 911, your nearest local program, or (800) 799‑7233—tonight. You deserve to be safe.

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🏛️More Wyoming Resources for Single Mothers

Explore all assistance programs in 34 categories available in Wyoming

• 📋 Assistance Programs
• 💰 Benefits and Grants
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Child Support
• 🌾 Rural Single Mothers Assistance
• ♿ Disabled Single Mothers Assistance
• 🎖️ Veteran Single Mothers Benefits
• 🦷 Dental Care Assistance
• 🎓 Education Grants
• 📊 EITC and Tax Credits
• 🍎 SNAP and Food Assistance
• 🔧 Job Training
• ⚖️ Legal Help
• 🧠 Mental Health Resources
• 🚗 Transportation Assistance
• 💼 Job Loss Support & Unemployment
• ⚡ Utility Assistance
• 🥛 WIC Benefits
• 🏦 TANF Assistance
• 🏠 Housing Assistance
• 👶 Childcare Assistance
• 🏥 Healthcare Assistance
• 🚨 Emergency Assistance
• 🤝 Community Support
• 🎯 Disability & Special Needs Support
• 🛋️ Free Furniture & Household Items
• 🏫 Afterschool & Summer Programs
• 🍼 Free Baby Gear & Children's Items
• 🎒 Free School Supplies & Backpacks
• 🏡 Home Buyer Down Payment Grants
• 🤱 Postpartum Health & Maternity Support
• 👩‍💼 Workplace Rights & Pregnancy Protection
• 💼 Business Grants & Assistance
• 💻 Digital Literacy & Technology Assistance
• 🤱 Free Breast Pumps & Maternity Support
• 📈 Credit Repair & Financial Recovery