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EnglishWhat Is the National Domestic Violence Hotline Website (thehotline.org)?
Updated
thehotline.org is the website of the National Domestic Violence Hotline, a confidential support service available 24/7/365 for people affected by domestic violence. You can reach a live advocate by calling 800.799.SAFE, using the online chat, or texting START to 88788. Advocates provide crisis intervention, education about abuse, and referrals to community resources. The Hotline does not provide direct financial assistance, but it can connect you with local resources that may help.
Ways to Reach a Live Advocate
The site lists several contact channels, each aimed at a different audience:
| Channel | How to connect | Who it serves |
|---|---|---|
| Phone | Call 800.799.SAFE | General support |
| Online chat | Chat with a live advocate on the site | General support |
| Text | Text START to 88788 | General support (msg & data rates may apply; text STOP to opt out) |
| StrongHearts | 844.762.8483 | Native Americans and Alaska Natives |
| National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline | 866.331.9474 | Young people experiencing abuse or curious about healthy relationships |
| The Deaf Hotline | Video phone: 855.812.1001 | Individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing |
If you can't reach a live advocate, the site also offers an A.I. chat bot named Ruth, described as domestic-violence-informed and compassionate. The site notes that to speak with a live person, you should call, chat, or text a live advocate.
What Advocates Can and Cannot Do
According to the site, advocates can provide:
- Support and crisis intervention
- Education about domestic violence
- Community resources and referrals
The Hotline is explicit that it does not provide direct financial assistance — such as cash support, hotel vouchers, or transportation vouchers. Instead, it can connect you with community resources that may be able to support those needs. The site points to local providers in categories including shelters, legal help, financial aid, counseling, state coalitions, and low- and no-cost health care.
Safety Planning and Learning Resources
Beyond the helpline itself, the site offers tools to help you stay safer, including a "Plan for Safety" section and guidance on internet and digital security. It also provides educational material on understanding relationship abuse, such as warning signs, the Power and Control Wheel, and why people abuse. Separate sections address supporting someone else who is experiencing abuse, abuse in underserved populations (including Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard-of-hearing communities and Native communities), and resources for those causing harm.
When to Use the Site
Use thehotline.org if you want confidential support about relationship abuse, need help thinking through safety options, or want to learn the warning signs of abuse — for yourself or someone you're worried about. Start with a call, chat, or text to a live advocate if you need to talk now; browse the safety-planning and education pages if you're gathering information first. Keep in mind that the Hotline offers connection to resources, not direct financial aid.