Legal help
Your legal options — explained plainly
You have rights, whether or not you have money, papers, or a lawyer. Here's an overview of the most common legal options for U.S. survivors, plus where to get free help.
Protective / restraining orders
A civil court order that legally prohibits your abuser from contacting or coming near you. Free to file in every state. You do not need a lawyer, but a domestic violence advocate can help you complete the forms and go with you to court.
Custody and divorce
You can request temporary custody and child support as part of a protective order in many states. Free legal aid offices handle family law for low-income survivors.
Immigration relief
If your abuser is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, you may qualify for a VAWA self-petition — a way to get legal status without your abuser's knowledge or consent. U-visas and T-visas are available for survivors of crime and trafficking.
Housing protections (VAWA)
Federal law protects survivors from being evicted or denied housing because of the violence committed against them. You have the right to have your lock changed, break a lease early in many states, and transfer to safer public housing.
Employment protections
Many states protect survivors from being fired for missing work to attend court, seek medical care, or find safe housing. Some also require paid safe leave.
Free legal resources
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Free, confidential support for anyone affected by domestic violence. Advocates can help with safety planning, local shelter referrals, and next steps.
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WomensLaw.org
Plain-language legal information for survivors, including restraining orders, custody, immigration, and state-specific court info.
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Legal Services Corporation — Find Free Legal Aid
Locator for free civil legal aid offices in every state, covering protection orders, housing, family law, and public benefits.
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National Immigrant Women's Advocacy Project
Legal information and technical assistance for immigrant survivors, including VAWA self-petitions, U-visas, and T-visas.
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Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence
Culturally specific resources and language access for Asian and Pacific Islander survivors.
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State Crime Victim Compensation
Every state offers compensation for medical bills, lost wages, counseling, and relocation for crime victims, including DV.
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National Sexual Violence Resource Center
Research, tools, and referrals for survivors of sexual violence and the advocates who serve them.
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VINELink — Victim Notification
Free, confidential service to track an offender's custody status and register for release notifications in most U.S. states.
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DOJ Office on Violence Against Women — Local Program Finder
Federal directory of DOJ-funded local domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking service providers by state and tribe.
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National Resource Center on Domestic Violence
In-depth toolkits, safety planning guides, and evidence-based resources through the VAWnet online library.
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NO MORE Global Directory
Searchable directory of domestic and sexual violence helplines and services in the U.S. and worldwide.
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Ujima — National Center on Violence Against Women in the Black Community
Culturally specific research, training, and resources responding to domestic, sexual, and community violence in the Black community.
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National Indigenous Women's Resource Center
Technical assistance and policy resources supporting Tribal sovereignty and the safety of Native women.
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Pathways to Safety International
Global crisis response and relocation assistance for Americans facing interpersonal violence abroad.
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National Human Trafficking Hotline
Confidential support and referrals for victims and survivors of human trafficking, including labor and sex trafficking.
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Nothing on this page is legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, contact a free legal aid office or licensed attorney. See all legal resources.