I believe I/my loved one is being abused. What can I do to get help?

Abuse can take many forms. Generally, abuse is behavior used by a person to gain or maintain control over another; it includes physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, and financial harm to another person. It’s important to recognize that abuse of another is, among many things, foremost about power and control and can happen to anyone. Abusers often have the ability to manipulate or isolate the person they are mistreating and that survivors of abuse may not be believed if they disclose the abuse.  

We are so very sorry that you or a loved one are experiencing abuse and are grateful that you’ve reached out to us for resources. It is important to know that we believe you and that your safety is of utmost importance.  If you or a loved one is in immediate danger, please call 911. 

We have provided a number of resources below that may help you to determine the best path for you to access help and begin healing.

Child

  • Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline is an organization dedicated to meeting the physical, emotional, educational, and spiritual needs of abused, neglected and at-risk children through programs focused on prevention, intervention, treatment and community outreach. For information about how to make an official report of child abuse in each state, contact Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at (800) 422-4453 or visit https://childhelphotline.org/. 
  • Child Welfare Information Gateway is a service of the Children's Bureau, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services which promotes the safety, permanency, and well-being of children, youth, and families. Visit their webpage for contact information for local child protective services in your community where you can report child maltreatment, abuse, and neglect: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/responding/reporting/how/

Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault

  • The National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH) is a 24/7 confidential resource hotline that provides emotional support, support groups, local resources, safety plans, etc. for survivors of abuse or concerned friends or family members. ContactNDVH at (800) 766-7233, by texting “START” to 88788 or online chat at https://www.thehotline.org/
  • RAINN is a 24/7 national hotline for adult survivors of sexual assault and their loved ones which provides confidential support, information about laws and resources in your community, and referrals for long-term support in your area. Contact RAINN at (800) 656-4673 or chat with someone here.   
  • National Sexual Violence Resource Center maintains a directory of organizations that lists state and territory sexual assault coalitions, victim/survivor support organizations and local communities of color sexual assault organizations.
  • Victim Connect offers emotional support and information about rights, options and resources referrals for crime victims. Call or text Victim Connect at (855) 484-2846 from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. ET. 
  • The Domestic Shelters is the largest online directory of domestic violence programs and shelters in the U.S. and Canada, and a leading source of helpful tools and information for people experiencing domestic violence.
  • 1in6 offers a 24/7 online helpline, online support groups, trauma-informed trainings and webinars, resources and support for men and boys experiencing sexual abuse or assault. 
  • Center for Relationship and Abuse Awareness provides information and resources about relationship abuse, sexual assault, how to get a restraining order & developing a safety plan. 
  • Love is Respect provides information on maintaining healthy intimate relationships, setting boundaries, warning signs of abuse and personal safety. They also offer information about support strategies to help loved ones experiencing relationship abuse at (866) 331-9474or by texting LOVEIS to 22522. Additionally, culturally-relevant support for Native American and Alaska Native teens and young adults via phone or chat at StrongHearts (844)-7NATIVE (762-8483) is available. Deaf services are available by video phone at (855)-812-1001 or instant messenger at DeafHotline or by email at nationaldeafhotline@adwas.org. 
  • The Network La Red is a LGBTQ survivor-led community-based organization to end partner abuse. They offer a 24-hour hotline, support groups, individual support, and information about safety planning, and restraining orders. Contact The Network LA Red at (800) 832-1901 and (617)-742-4911. 
  • Women’s Law provides an email hotline service for basic legal information, referrals, questions, concerns and emotional support for domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. Services are available for men as well. Contact Women's Law at (800) 799-7233 or https://hotline.womenslaw.org/public. 
  • Psychology Today Domestic Violence Support Group Locator is a support group locator service for survivors of domestic violence. They offer both in-person and online support group options. 

Elder Abuse

Online Abuse

  • Cyber Civil Rights Initiative offers information and resources for victims of non-consensual pornography (NCP), revenge-porn and other forms of online abuse and operates a 24/7 Image Abuse Helpline for victims of Image-Based Sexual Abuse at (844)-878-2274. Also provides a roster of attorneys who may be able to offer low-or pro-bono legal assistance related to NCP. They operate the CCRI Crisis Helpline (844)-878-2274 for victims of NCP.
  • Report the content to Facebook or Instagram so they can help with next steps. 

Hours of operation Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. EST 

Call: 800-950-NAMI (6264) 

Text: 62640 

Webchat: www.nami.org/help  

Email: helpline@nami.org

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