How many domestic violence resources are in Montana?

Women's Corner tracks 18 domestic violence resources for women in Montana.

Are domestic violence resources in Montana free?

18 of the 18 listed domestic violence resources in Montana are explicitly free or low-cost.

Which cities in Montana have domestic violence resources?

Listings span cities including Helena, Billings, Missoula, Bozeman, Kalispell, Butte.

Do these listings include phone numbers?

8 of 18 Montana domestic violence listings include 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.

Best Domestic Violence in Montana — 18 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 Montana

Montana district courts handle family matters in each of its 56 counties across 22 judicial districts. The Child Support Services Division operates under DPHHS. Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, and Bozeman are the largest cities. Montana Legal Services Association and the Montana Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence support women, with strong online self-help for pro se litigants.

18 Resources

1. National Domestic Violence Hotline — Free

24/7 confidential crisis support, safety planning, and referrals for women experiencing abuse. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for women experiencing abuse and their children who need vetted, plain-language information on safety planning, 24/7 hotline, emergency shelter, protective order help, and counseling. Hours 24/7 — free for qualifying women.

800-799-7233 · Nationwide Service · 24/7 · Visit Website

2. Montana Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence — Free

Montana Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence works with women across Montana on safety planning, emergency shelter, protective orders, and trauma counseling. Phone 406-443-7794 for case-by-case eligibility, current openings, and next steps. Hours are Mon-Fri 8am-5pm, and walk-ins may be accepted depending on staffing. Free for qualifying Montana mothers and their children.

406-443-7794 · P.O. Box 818, Helena, MT 59624 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

3. YWCA Billings — Gateway House — Free

YWCA Billings — Gateway House is the go-to domestic-violence resource in the Billings area for safety planning, emergency shelter, protective orders, and trauma counseling. Dial 406-259-0506 for an initial conversation about your situation. Free of charge for women meeting income or program eligibility.

406-259-0506 · Billings, MT 59101 (Confidential) · 24/7 · Visit Website

4. YWCA Missoula — Pathways — Free

Based in Missoula, YWCA Missoula — Pathways supports Montana women navigating safety planning, emergency shelter, protective orders, and trauma counseling. Call 406-542-1944 to start intake or ask which services you qualify for. Open 24/7 Crisis Line — confirm by phone before driving in. Free of charge for women meeting income or program eligibility.

406-542-1944 · Missoula, MT 59802 (Confidential) · 24/7 Crisis Line · Visit Website

5. HAVEN — Bozeman — Free

HAVEN — Bozeman is a Montana domestic-violence resource helping mothers with safety planning, emergency shelter, protective orders, and trauma counseling. Reach the team at 406-586-4111 to schedule a screening. Open 24/7 Crisis Line — confirm by phone before driving in. Free of charge for women meeting income or program eligibility.

406-586-4111 · Bozeman, MT 59715 (Confidential) · 24/7 Crisis Line · Visit Website

6. Abbie Shelter — Helena — Free

Abbie Shelter — Helena is a Montana domestic-violence resource helping mothers with safety planning, emergency shelter, protective orders, and trauma counseling. Call 406-443-5353 to start intake or ask which services you qualify for. Services are offered at no cost to women who meet program criteria.

406-443-5353 · Helena, MT 59601 (Confidential) · 24/7

7. Safe Harbor — Kalispell — Free

Safe Harbor — Kalispell provides safety planning, emergency shelter, protective orders, and trauma counseling for women in Kalispell. Call 406-752-7273 to start intake or ask which services you qualify for. Service hours run 24/7 Crisis Line; ask about after-hours options if needed. Free of charge for women meeting income or program eligibility.

406-752-7273 · Kalispell, MT 59901 (Confidential) · 24/7 Crisis Line

8. Butte Domestic Violence Program — Free

Butte Domestic Violence Program provides safety planning, emergency shelter, protective orders, and trauma counseling for women in Butte. Phone 406-782-8511 for case-by-case eligibility, current openings, and next steps. Available 24/7 Crisis Line; the team can answer questions about documents and timing. Free of charge for women meeting income or program eligibility.

406-782-8511 · Butte, MT 59701 (Confidential) · 24/7 Crisis Line

9. National Domestic Violence Hotline — Free

1-800-799-SAFE (7233) — 24/7 free confidential help for victims of domestic abuse. Call, text START to 88788, or chat online for women experiencing abuse and their children. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for women experiencing abuse and their children who need vetted, plain-language information on safety planning, 24/7 hotline, emergency shelter, protective order help, and counseling. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

10. Loveisrespect — Free

1-866-331-9474 — 24/7 support for young people experiencing dating abuse. Text LOVEIS to 22522 or chat online for women experiencing abuse and their children. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for women experiencing abuse and their children who need vetted, plain-language information on safety planning, 24/7 hotline, emergency shelter, protective order help, and counseling. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

11. StrongHearts Native Helpline — Free

1-844-7NATIVE — culturally appropriate domestic and dating violence helpline for Native Americans for women experiencing abuse and their children. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for women experiencing abuse and their children who need vetted, plain-language information on safety planning, 24/7 hotline, emergency shelter, protective order help, and counseling. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

12. National Coalition Against Domestic Violence — Free

NCADV — coalition of state DV coalitions. Survivor resources, policy advocacy, and safety planning. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for women experiencing abuse and their children who need vetted, plain-language information on safety planning, 24/7 hotline, emergency shelter, protective order help, and counseling. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

13. Futures Without Violence — Free

National nonprofit working to prevent and end violence against women and children. Resources and training. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for women experiencing abuse and their children who need vetted, plain-language information on safety planning, 24/7 hotline, emergency shelter, protective order help, and counseling. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

14. DomesticShelters.org — Free

Searchable database of every domestic violence shelter and program in the US — find help near you for women experiencing abuse and their children. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for women experiencing abuse and their children who need vetted, plain-language information on safety planning, 24/7 hotline, emergency shelter, protective order help, and counseling. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

15. Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence — Free

Resources and culturally specific support for AAPI women experiencing violence. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for women experiencing abuse and their children who need vetted, plain-language information on safety planning, 24/7 hotline, emergency shelter, protective order help, and counseling. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

16. Casa de Esperanza — Free

Mobilizing Latinas and Latin@ communities to end gender-based violence. Bilingual resources and shelter for women experiencing abuse and their children. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for women experiencing abuse and their children who need vetted, plain-language information on safety planning, 24/7 hotline, emergency shelter, protective order help, and counseling. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

17. Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) — Free

US Department of Justice office implementing the Violence Against Women Act. Funding and resources. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for women experiencing abuse and their children who need vetted, plain-language information on safety planning, 24/7 hotline, emergency shelter, protective order help, and counseling. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

18. RAINN — Sexual Assault Hotline — Free

1-800-656-HOPE — Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network. 24/7 free confidential support for sexual assault survivors. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for women experiencing abuse and their children who need vetted, plain-language information on safety planning, 24/7 hotline, emergency shelter, protective order help, and counseling. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

Frequently Asked

How many domestic violence resources are in Montana?: Women's Corner tracks 18 domestic violence resources for women in Montana.
Are domestic violence resources in Montana free?: 18 of the 18 listed domestic violence resources in Montana are explicitly free or low-cost.
Which cities in Montana have domestic violence resources?: Listings span cities including Helena, Billings, Missoula, Bozeman, Kalispell, Butte.
What are some examples of domestic violence resources in Montana?: Featured entries include National Domestic Violence Hotline, Montana Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, YWCA Billings — Gateway House, YWCA Missoula — Pathways, HAVEN — Bozeman.
Do these listings include phone numbers?: 8 of 18 Montana domestic violence listings include 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.