Family Violence

For many victims of domestic violence, child support offers financial independence from an abusive partner.  At the same time research shows that the birth of a child, establishing paternity and a child support order, and enforcing child support can be triggers for violence.

Because the child support program serves both parents, it has a unique role in reducing risks and increasing safety for victims.  To promote safe access to child support, OCSE works with state, local, and tribal child support programs to partner with domestic violence, fatherhood, and child welfare programs.  Check out the resources and tools on this page that child support programs can use to help victims safely and confidentially obtain child support.  If you are a parent or family member concerned about family violence, contact the toll free National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) for information and resources near you.

• Family Violence Prevention & Services
• Presentation on Safely Accessing Child Support
• The Hotline - Resources