Domestic violence: where to get help
If you or someone you care about is experiencing domestic or sexual violence, confidential help is available. This page lists national and Virginia hotlines and starting points for free or low-cost legal information. There is no intake form here and no request for your case details—only links and phone numbers you can use when you choose.
Immediate danger: Call 911. If you think your internet use is monitored, consider calling from a safer device or location, and clear your browser history after visiting help sites.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Free, confidential support 24/7 for people experiencing domestic violence, and for friends and family who want to help.
- Call: 1-800-799-7233 (1-800-799-SAFE)
- Text: START to 88788
- Chat & resources: thehotline.org
Advocates can listen, help with safety planning, and connect people to local services. The Hotline does not replace emergency services.
Virginia Family Violence and Sexual Assault Hotline
Virginia’s statewide sexual and domestic violence hotline (also referred to as the Family Violence and Sexual Assault Hotline) is free, confidential, and available 24/7. Trained advocates can listen and connect callers to local programs.
- Call: 1-800-838-8238 (interpretation available in many languages)
- Text: 804-793-9999
- Chat: vadata.org/chat
- Hotline information: Virginia Sexual & Domestic Violence Action Alliance
The Virginia Department of Social Services also points people to this statewide hotline for support and local service connections.
Virginia legal aid & legal information
These organizations provide legal information, self-help tools, and/or civil legal aid for eligible people. Availability, income guidelines, and practice areas vary—contact them directly for current options.
- Virginia Law Help — statewide legal information library, including family and safety topics
- Virginia Legal Aid Society — civil legal aid for eligible clients in its service area
- Legal Aid Justice Center — civil legal aid and advocacy
- Virginia Poverty Law Center — statewide poverty-law advocacy and resources
- Legal Services Corporation — find legal aid — locator for LSC-funded programs by location
- Virginia State Bar — public resources — starting points for finding legal help in Virginia
Court information on protective orders
For a plain-language overview of Virginia family-abuse protective orders (emergency, preliminary, and longer-term), see Protective orders in Virginia. Court forms and self-help materials are available through the Virginia Judicial System Court Self-Help site.
Common questions
Answers are general information only — not legal advice for a specific situation.
- What number do I call for the National Domestic Violence Hotline?
- Call 1-800-799-7233 (1-800-799-SAFE), text START to 88788, or chat at thehotline.org. Help is free and confidential, 24/7.
- What is the Virginia Family Violence and Sexual Assault Hotline number?
- Virginia’s statewide sexual and domestic violence hotline can be reached at 1-800-838-8238. You can also text 804-793-9999 or chat at vadata.org/chat. It is free, confidential, and available 24/7.
- Where can I find free or low-cost legal help in Virginia?
- Start with Virginia Law Help (valegalaid.org) for legal information, then contact Virginia Legal Aid Society, Legal Aid Justice Center, Virginia Poverty Law Center, or use the Legal Services Corporation locator to find an LSC-funded program near you. Eligibility and services vary.
- Does this website take my case or ask for personal details?
- No. Virginia Family Law is an informational website. The domestic-violence resources page lists external hotlines and legal-aid links only. It does not provide legal advice, representation, or case intake.
- Where can I learn about Virginia protective orders?
- See this site’s Protective Orders in Virginia topic page for a general overview of emergency, preliminary, and longer-term family-abuse orders under Title 16.1. Court self-help materials are available at selfhelp.vacourts.gov.