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How can a Domestic Violence Crisis Hotline Help Victims?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

A domestic violence crisis hotline is a phone number which is local to a region, or toll-free to cover a large region. Staff are constantly available so that victims of domestic violence can call the domestic violence crisis hotline at any time, not just an emergency situation, and receive assistance. In addition to victims, a domestic violence crisis hotline can also assist people who suspect that someone they know is a victim, and the hotline frequently maintains physical offices which offer drop in counseling and other services.

The primary form of assistance offered by a domestic violence crisis hotline is a person to listen to the victim with empathy and compassion, and to offer advice and counseling if it is requested. For panicked victims, the knowledge that they can call just to talk to someone is very important. Staff train as crisis counselors with a certifying organization, and they usually also have a large binder of information ready to hand so that they can assist callers. These counselors can make referrals for in person counseling as well, if the caller requests it.

Domestic violence crisis hotlines may offer advice and counseling to victims.
Domestic violence crisis hotlines may offer advice and counseling to victims.

If a caller wants help getting out of his or her situation, the hotline worker can also assist with this. Assistance usually starts with getting the caller to a temporary safe place, which may involve coaching, or a request for law enforcement to go to the victim and offer assistance. The counselor on the domestic violence crisis hotline can help to arrange for temporary housing, childcare, and monetary assistance which will allow the victim to escape from the violent situation.

A domestic violence crisis hotline may provide legal assistance to victims, including obtaining a restraining order.
A domestic violence crisis hotline may provide legal assistance to victims, including obtaining a restraining order.

For victims interested in prosecuting as well, a domestic violence crisis hotline can provide legal assistance, including obtaining a temporary restraining order and dealing with child custody issues. In some cases, a domestic violence crisis hotline has a staff of lawyers or people with legal training to offer legal counseling. Staff will also accompany the victim to court to offer assistance as needed, and will help coach the victim for success in court.

Domestic violence crisis hotlines are intended to empower domestic violence victims.
Domestic violence crisis hotlines are intended to empower domestic violence victims.

In addition, many communities offer continuing education and life skills classes in combination with a domestic violence crisis hotline. These services are offered at a shelter or domestic violence awareness center, and might include coaching to complete school, assistance with applying to jobs and college programs, or classes designed to help victims manage their daily lives. All of these services are intended to empower victims of domestic violence, allowing them to ultimately make their own choices about their lives.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a PublicPeople researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a PublicPeople researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

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    • Domestic violence crisis hotlines may offer advice and counseling to victims.
      By: BestPhotoStudio
      Domestic violence crisis hotlines may offer advice and counseling to victims.
    • A domestic violence crisis hotline may provide legal assistance to victims, including obtaining a restraining order.
      By: Helder Almeida
      A domestic violence crisis hotline may provide legal assistance to victims, including obtaining a restraining order.
    • Domestic violence crisis hotlines are intended to empower domestic violence victims.
      By: Aleksndr Login
      Domestic violence crisis hotlines are intended to empower domestic violence victims.
    • Confidentiality and empathy are extremely important for domestic violence victims.
      By: Dusan Kostic
      Confidentiality and empathy are extremely important for domestic violence victims.