Best Domestic Violence in Hawaii — 16 verified resources

About Domestic Violence for Women

Domestic violence services for women are anchored by the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE), the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), and a state coalition in every state coordinated through the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV). VAWA funds shelters, transitional housing, legal services, and immigration relief (U-visa, T-visa, VAWA self-petition). Survivors can obtain civil protective orders, address-confidentiality through state ACP programs, and victim advocates through local prosecutor offices. The National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-HOPE) and StrongHearts Native Helpline serve specific survivor populations. This directory includes hotlines, shelters, state DV coalitions, and protective order resources.

Domestic Violence in Hawaii

Hawaii's Family Court is a division of the Circuit Court and operates in each of its four judicial circuits (Oahu, Maui, Hawaii Island, Kauai). The Child Support Enforcement Agency operates under the Attorney General. Honolulu is the largest population center. Legal Aid Society of Hawaii, Volunteer Legal Services Hawaii, and the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence serve women.

16 Resources

1. National Domestic Violence Hotline — Free

The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides free, confidential, 24/7 support for women experiencing domestic abuse anywhere in Hawaii. Call 800-799-7233, text START to 88788, or chat online at thehotline.org. Trained advocates offer safety planning, help accessing local shelters, legal resources, and emotional support. Available in more than 200 languages. No insurance or ID required — your safety and privacy are the top priorities.

800-799-7233 · Statewide Phone Service · 24/7 · Visit Website

2. Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence — Free

The Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence coordinates statewide DV prevention efforts and connects women with local domestic violence programs across all islands. Located at 716 Umi St Suite 210 in Honolulu, call 808-832-9316 Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm. HSCADV supports local member organizations, advocates for survivors' rights in state policy, and provides training to community partners. They can help you find the right shelter or program in your county.

808-832-9316 · 716 Umi St Suite 210, Honolulu, HI 96819 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Domestic Violence Action Center — Honolulu — Free

The Domestic Violence Action Center provides free legal advocacy, safety planning, and support services for domestic violence survivors on Oahu. Call 808-531-3771 Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm or reach their 24/7 hotline for emergencies. DVAC helps survivors obtain temporary restraining orders, navigate family court, and access shelter and community resources. Services are completely free and confidential for DV survivors.

808-531-3771 · P.O. Box 3198, Honolulu, HI 96801 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; Hotline 24/7 · Visit Website

8. Loveisrespect — Free

1-866-331-9474 — 24/7 support for young people experiencing dating abuse. Text LOVEIS to 22522 or chat online.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

12. DomesticShelters.org — Free

Searchable database of every domestic violence shelter and program in the US — find help near you.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

14. Casa de Esperanza — Free

Mobilizing Latinas and Latin@ communities to end gender-based violence. Bilingual resources and shelter.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

Frequently Asked

How many domestic violence resources are in Hawaii?
Women's Corner tracks 16 verified domestic violence resources for women in Hawaii.
Are domestic violence resources in Hawaii free?
16 of the 16 listed domestic violence resources in Hawaii are explicitly free or low-cost.
Which cities in Hawaii have domestic violence resources?
Listings span cities including Honolulu, Maui, Hilo, Lihue.
What are some examples of domestic violence resources in Hawaii?
Featured entries include National Domestic Violence Hotline, Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Domestic Violence Action Center — Honolulu, Women Helping Women — Maui, Child & Family Service — Hawaii Island DV.
Do these listings include phone numbers?
6 of 16 Hawaii domestic violence listings include verified phone numbers.
How do I get a restraining order?
Go to your county's family or civil courthouse and ask the clerk for a 'protective order' or 'order of protection' petition — no attorney or filing fee required. Temporary ex parte orders can be issued the same day. A full hearing follows within 10–21 days. Court advocates and DV agencies help fill out forms; bring any evidence (texts, photos, police reports).
Where can I go right now if I'm not safe?
Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (text START to 88788) — they connect you to your nearest shelter, arrange emergency transport, and help with a safety plan. Shelters are confidential, free, and 24/7. If you're in immediate danger, call 911 and ask for a DV advocate at the scene.
Will the shelter take my kids?
Yes. Domestic violence shelters accept women with children — most accommodate boys up to age 17 (a few have age limits around 12–13 for older boys, and will arrange alternate placement nearby). Pets are increasingly welcome through programs like RedRover and Sheltering Animals & Families Together. Bring kids' birth certificates, school records, and any medications if you can.
Is the hotline really free and confidential?
Yes — the National DV Hotline and all state DV hotlines are free, confidential, anonymous, available 24/7, and offered in 200+ languages. Advocates don't report to police, immigration, or CPS unless you request it (mandatory reporting applies only to active child abuse). You can call to plan, vent, or just ask questions before deciding anything.