Signal for Help

If you see the signal, intervene safely keeping survivors’ wishes in mind. It is important not to take any action that will put survivors in danger. If possible, call them to ask if you can be a part of their safety plan and if there is something you can do for them. See links below to get educated on how to respond to domestic violence and the resources you can share with the survivor.

1. REACH OUT. Use another form of communication such as text, social media, WhatsApp, or email and ask general questions. This may reduce risk if someone is watching the person’s device or accounts.
2. LISTEN. Ask “yes” or “no” questions. This may reduce risk if someone is listening. For example:
   • Can I be a part of your safety plan?”
   • “Do you want me to call 911?”(ONLY CALL 911 if the survivor requests it)
   • “Would you like me to call a shelter on your behalf?” (Find a shelter in your community by visiting https://www.domesticshelters.org. or contact your local women’s fund or foundation, link at bottom of page. 
   • “Do you want me to reach out to you regularly?”
   • “Should I look for some services that might help you and call you back?”
   • “How else can I support you?
3. RESPOND. Do what the survivor asks of you. Only call 911 if the survivor asks. Let the survivor tell you what they need, how you can help. Find links to services below.
   • Domestic Shelters – Find a domestic violence shelter near you.
   • DOJ map of US resources
   • Future Without Violence – Futures Without Violence is a health and social justice nonprofit with a simple mission: to heal those among us who are traumatized by violence today – and to create healthy families and communities free of violence tomorrow.
   • National Domestic Violence Hotline – Help for Friend or Family member – Are you concerned that someone you care about is experiencing abuse?
   • No More, Listening at Home initiative – NO MORE is dedicated to ending domestic violence and sexual assault by increasing awareness, inspiring action and fueling culture change.
   • DC Rape Crisis Center – a non-profit organization and the designated sexual assault coalition for the District of Columbia.
   • Incite – is a network of radical feminists of color organizing to end state violence and violence in our homes and communities.
   • Institute on Domestic Violence in the African American Community – IDVAAC’s mission is to enhance society’s understanding of and ability to end violence in the African-American community.
   • Asian Task Force Against Domestic Violence – is a nonprofit, community organization serving pan-Asian survivors of domestic and intimate partner violence. We provide services in Greater Boston and Greater Lowell and offer limited assistance in other cities throughout Massachusetts and New England.

   • RAINN – RAINN is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization. RAINN operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE, online.rainn.org y rainn.org/es) in partnership with 1,000 local sexual assault service providers across the country.

These websites list services, programs, and organizations in the United States. You can also look for other places to get help in your community using Google search. Try search terms like “crisis line”, “domestic violence”, “women’s shelter near me”:

• The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 24/7, confidential and free:1-800-799-7233 and through chat.
• Woman Kind is a 24/7 multilingual helpline is confidential and free: 1.888.888.7702
• RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline is free, confidential, and available 24/7 at 800.656.HOPE (4673) and through chat.
• The StrongHearts Native Helpline for domestic/sexual violence is available 7am-10pm CT, confidential, and specifically for Native communities:1−844-762-8483
• The Trans LifeLine for peer support for trans folks 9am-3am CT:1-877-565-8860 This hotline is staffed exclusively by trans operators is the only crisis line with a policy against non-consensual active rescue.
• The Deaf Hotline is available 24/7 through video phone (1-855-812-1001), email and chat for Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled survivors.
• National Domestic Violence Hotline – Staying Safe During COVID-19
• My plan – a tool to help with safety decisions if you, or someone you care about, is experiencing abuse in their intimate relationship.
• DOJ map of US resources –
• Domestic Shelters – Find a domestic violence shelter near you.
• DC Rape Crisis Center 

Asian Community Focused

• South Asian Domestic Violence Agencies by State
• New York Asian Women Center’s (NYAWC ) –  we offer survivors access to a safe place to live, counseling, legal assistance, wellness activities, and so much more. Though we are an expert in serving Asian communities, our services are valuable and available to all.

Differently Abled Focused

• Deaf Abused Women’s Network (DAWN) – DAWN provides crisis intervention services for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and DeafBlind communities.
• DeafLEAD– provides 24-hour crisis intervention services that are based on a problem-solving model to provide information and support to individuals in crisis with the goal of stabilizing emotions, clarifying issues and formulating an action plan.

Indigenous/Native American Focused

• NIWRC – is a Native-led nonprofit organization dedicated to ending violence against Native women and children.
• Women’s Lodge – provides shelter for women and families suffering from domestic abuse and or sexual assault. In addition to shelter and food, services include: rape advocacy, support groups, legal advocacy, and referrals to other service agencies.
• Strong Hearts –  is a culturally-appropriate domestic violence and dating violence helpline for Native Americans, available every day from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. CT.

Latinx Focused

• Casa de Esperanza – Casa de Esperanza is a leader in the domestic violence movement and a national resource center for organizations working with Latin@s in the United States

Lesbian, Bi-Sexual, Gay, Transgender, Gender Non-Conforming Focused

• Anti-Violence Project (AVP) – empowers lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and HIV-affected communities and allies to end all forms of violence through organizing and education, and supports survivors through counseling and advocacy.

If you need help in Canada, go to The Canadian Women’s Foundation’s website.