Domestic Violence

Get Help | What is Domestic Violence? | Resources

Get Help

If you are in immediate danger, call 911. OVW does not provide services directly to the general public. Find local help on our map or call the national hotline:

National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
1-800-787-3224 (TTY)
Advocates are also available to chat 24/7.

National Center for Victims of Crime
1-855-4-VICTIM (1-855-484-2846)

What is Domestic Violence

The term “domestic violence” includes felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence committed by a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the victim, by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common, by a person who is cohabitating with or has cohabitated with the victim as a spouse or intimate partner, by a person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction receiving grant monies, or by any other person against an adult or youth victim who is protected from that person’s acts under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction.

In an emergency, victims of domestic violence should call 911 or contact state or local law enforcement officials, who can respond to these crimes. Individuals in need of non-emergency assistance can also call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE or visit www.TheHotline.org.