Best Domestic Violence in New York — 17 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 New York

New York has separate Family Court (for custody, support, paternity, DV) and Supreme Court (for divorce) systems. NYC's Family Court operates in all five boroughs. The Office of Child Support Services runs enforcement. NYC, Buffalo, Rochester, Yonkers, and Syracuse are the major metros. Legal Aid Society of NYC, Sanctuary for Families, NYLAG, and the NYS Coalition Against Domestic Violence serve women.

17 Resources

1. New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence — Free

New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence is the go-to domestic-violence resource in the Albany area for safety planning, emergency shelter, protective orders, and trauma counseling. Dial (518) 457-5800 for an initial conversation about your situation. Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm — confirm by phone before driving in. Free of charge for women meeting income or program eligibility.

(518) 457-5800 · 80 S Swan St Suite 1157, Albany, NY 12210 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. NYC Domestic Violence Hotline — Free

Based in New York, NYC Domestic Violence Hotline supports New York women navigating safety planning, emergency shelter, protective orders, and trauma counseling. Call (800) 621-4673 to start intake or ask which services you qualify for. Services are offered at no cost to women who meet program criteria.

(800) 621-4673 · NYC service · 24/7 · Visit Website

3. Safe Horizon — NYC — Free

Safe Horizon — NYC is the go-to domestic-violence resource in the New York area for safety planning, emergency shelter, protective orders, and trauma counseling. Phone (212) 577-7777 for case-by-case eligibility, current openings, and next steps. Open 24/7 hotline — confirm by phone before driving in. Services are offered at no cost to women who meet program criteria.

(212) 577-7777 · New York, NY (multiple locations) · 24/7 hotline · Visit Website

4. Urban Resource Institute — NYC — Free

Urban Resource Institute — NYC provides safety planning, emergency shelter, protective orders, and trauma counseling for women in New York. Phone (888) 799-7233 for case-by-case eligibility, current openings, and next steps. Open 24/7 hotline — confirm by phone before driving in. Services are offered at no cost to women who meet program criteria.

(888) 799-7233 · New York, NY (confidential) · 24/7 hotline · Visit Website

5. Family Justice Centers — NYC — Free

Family Justice Centers — NYC provides safety planning, emergency shelter, protective orders, and trauma counseling for women in New York. Phone (212) 602-2800 for case-by-case eligibility, current openings, and next steps. Available Mon-Fri 9am-5pm; the team can answer questions about documents and timing. Free of charge for women meeting income or program eligibility.

(212) 602-2800 · All 5 boroughs · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

6. NY Crime Victims Compensation — Free

NY Crime Victims Compensation is the go-to domestic-violence resource in the Albany area for safety planning, emergency shelter, protective orders, and trauma counseling. Call (800) 247-8035 to start intake or ask which services you qualify for. Available Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; the team can answer questions about documents and timing. Free for qualifying New York mothers and their children.

(800) 247-8035 · 80 S Swan St 2nd Floor, Albany, NY 12210 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Willow Domestic Violence Center — Rochester — Free

Willow Domestic Violence Center — Rochester provides safety planning, emergency shelter, protective orders, and trauma counseling for women in Rochester. Call (585) 222-7233 to start intake or ask which services you qualify for. Hours are 24/7 hotline, and walk-ins may be accepted depending on staffing. No fee for eligible women, with intake handled confidentially.

(585) 222-7233 · Rochester, NY (confidential) · 24/7 hotline · Visit Website

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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 New York?
Women's Corner tracks 17 domestic violence resources for women in New York.
Are domestic violence resources in New York free?
17 of the 17 listed domestic violence resources in New York are explicitly free or low-cost.
Which cities in New York have domestic violence resources?
Listings span cities including Albany, New York, Rochester.
What are some examples of domestic violence resources in New York?
Featured entries include New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, NYC Domestic Violence Hotline, Safe Horizon — NYC, Urban Resource Institute — NYC, Family Justice Centers — NYC.
Do these listings include phone numbers?
7 of 17 New York 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.