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Get Help

Violence Free Minnesota does not provide shelter or

direct advocacy services. If you need help:

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Find a domestic violence program near you

or call a free, confidential domestic violence hotline like Minnesota DayOne at:

(866) 223-1111

For Survivors:

Credit: National Domestic Violence Hotline

Find a Domestic Abuse Transformation Program (DATP) near you

What is Domestic Abuse Transformation Programming?

Find out more here

For Those Who are Using Abuse:

Credit: National Domestic Violence Hotline

Violence Free Minnesota PSA: Help is Available 

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Mask Tips 

Hotline Numbers

DayOne Crisis Hotline

866.223.1111 

Minnesota’s statewide hotline for people experiencing violence, 24/7/365

 

The National Domestic Violence Hotline

800.799.7233 or 800.787.3224 (TTY)

 

Esperanza United

651.772.1611

Bilingual (español)

Domestic Violence Helpline

 

National Deaf Domestic Violence Hotline

Videophone: 855.812.1001

Deafhelp@thehotline.org

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ThinkSelf – Deaf Advocacy Services

Videophone: 651.829.9089

Text Hotline: 621.399.9995

 

OutFront Minnesota

800.800.0350

LGBTQ+ Anti-Violence Crisis Line

 

LoveIsRespect.org

1.866.331.9474

Teen Dating Violence Hotline

 

StrongHearts Native Helpline

844.762.8483

Native American Domestic Violence Helpline

What to expect if you call a hotline...

 

  • Direct connection to the domestic violence program near you.

  • Help to find resources in your area including safe shelter, advocacy, counseling, and legal assistance.

  • Crisis assistance, emotional support, and safety planning.

  • Access to hotline advocates in over a hundred languages through interpreter services.​

  • Confidential communication.

What to expect if you call a program...​

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  • A caring, listening ear. All programs have people who can listen and help you sort out your options

  • Advocacy services. Most programs have specially trained advocates who can help with safety planning, welfare, Child Protective Services, disability services, immigration, housing, employment protections, and more

  • Emergency shelter. Many programs offer shelter or safe homes

  • Transitional housing. Some programs have longer term housing for survivors

  • Support groups. Some programs run groups for children, youth, and adults

  • Legal advocacy. Most programs offer information about protection orders and other civil matters. Most do not provide legal counsel, but can refer you to free or low cost attorneys

  • Crisis services. Many programs offer 24-hour crisis services

  • Mental and chemical health options. Some programs have mental health therapists on-site who provide individual therapy, as well as chemical health education groups. Most programs without on-site services can refer you to outside resources

What to expect if you go to a shelter...

 

Every shelter is different, but usually, you can expect that:

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  • Shelters are free - no fees are charged to stay

  • Most shelters have shared kitchens, common areas, and bathrooms

  • If you have children, you will probably all share one bedroom

  • If you are alone, you may have to share a room

  • You are responsible for taking care of your own children

  • All shelters must welcome service animals

  • However, most shelters cannot accommodate pets. They will work with you to make arrangements to have your pets cared for elsewhere

  • Shelters have laundry facilities and supply linens (sheets, towels, and blankets)

  • They usually have emergency food, clothing, and toiletries available for the first few days of a stay

  • You will be asked to honor the privacy of other residents by not discussing their names or situations with anyone else

  • Shelters are concerned about everyone's safety, so you may be asked to keep the location a secret

  • Visitors are generally not allowed

  • Many shelters are able to provide some sort of transportation assistance to help get you to the shelter safely if you do not have the means to do so

What to expect if you call a legal advocate...

 

Every legal advocacy program is different, but usually, you can expect that:

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  • Services are offered free of charge

  • Legal advocates are not attorneys and will be unable to give legal advice

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Legal advocates can offer a range of services that might include:

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  • Accompanying you to court

  • Helping you fill out paperwork

  • Helping you understand the civil or criminal process

  • Outlining or prioritizing the legal options that are available

  • Informing you about what actually goes on in court

  • Preparing you for a hearing or trial and giving support before, during, and after

  • Referring you to low or no-cost lawyers

FAQs

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