Domestic Violence Resources: A Practical Guide to Finding Help in Texas and Beyond

If you are in immediate danger, call 911. For free, confidential support at any hour, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text START to 88788. Spanish-language help is available. You don’t have to be certain it is abuse before you reach out.

Reaching out for help is hard, and knowing where to start makes it a little easier. This guide gathers the main domestic violence resources in one place, so you can take it at your own pace.

What are domestic violence resources?

Domestic violence resources are services that support people experiencing abuse from a current or former partner. They include hotlines, emergency shelters, counseling, legal advocacy, safety planning and help finding housing or financial support. Many are free and confidential, and many offer services in Spanish.

Where to start: the national hotline

The National Domestic Violence Hotline is open 24/7. An advocate can talk through what is happening, help you make a safety plan, and connect you with services near you. You can call, text START to 88788, or use the online chat. If you think someone is monitoring your phone or computer, use a device your partner can’t access, such as a library computer or a trusted friend’s phone.

Local help in Texas, California and Florida

Local organizations can often provide shelter and in-person support. Call and ask about services and Spanish-language help:

• Austin: SAFE Alliance, 512-267-7233
• San Antonio: Family Violence Prevention Services, 210-733-8810
• Corpus Christi: The Purple Door, 361-881-8888
• Lubbock: Women’s Protective Services, 806-747-6491
• Killeen and Temple: Families In Crisis, 888-799-7233
• Waco: Family Abuse Center, 800-283-8401
• Los Angeles, CA: 1736 Family Crisis Center, 213-745-6434
• Orlando, FL: Harbor House of Central Florida, 407-886-2856

The full list, with more Texas cities and Puerto Rico resources, is in our domestic violence resources guide.

Domestic violence is more than physical harm

Abuse can take several forms:

• Physical: hitting, choking, blocking exits
• Emotional or psychological: humiliation, threats, isolating you from family and friends
• Economic: controlling money, preventing you from working
• Sexual: pressure or force without consent
• Technological: tracking your location, reading your messages, demanding your passwords

If any of this sounds familiar, support is still available, even if there are no visible injuries.

How common is domestic violence?

A CDC report published in 2026, using 2023-2024 data, estimates that about 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men have experienced physical violence, sexual violence or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime. These numbers show how many people are affected, and that you are not alone.

Safety planning basics

A safety plan is a personal plan for staying safer, whether or not you decide to leave. An advocate can help you adapt it, and it often includes:

• A trusted person who knows your situation
• Copies of important documents (IDs, insurance cards, children’s records)
• A small bag with essentials, kept somewhere safe
• Knowing which rooms have exits and which to avoid during conflict
• A plan for children and pets

When legal questions come up

Many people have questions about what leaving would mean: protective orders, divorce, child custody, support and shared property. These are family law matters, and an attorney can explain how the process works. Legal advice is separate from safety support, so contact a hotline or local organization first if safety is the concern. If you have legal questions, you can contact The Carlson Law Firm to ask whether the team can help in your area.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to be in danger to call a hotline?
No. Advocates also talk with people who are unsure, want information, or are worried about someone else.

Is the hotline really free and confidential?
Yes, calls are free. Advocates generally keep what you share confidential, though you can ask about any limits before you share details.

Can I get help in Spanish?
Yes. The national hotline and many local organizations offer Spanish-language support.

What if I can’t leave right now?
That’s common, and a safety plan can still help. Advocates don’t pressure anyone to leave.

Can men and LGBTQ+ people get help?
Yes. Domestic violence affects people of every gender and background, and the national hotline serves everyone.

You deserve support

Whether you need a helpline, a shelter, a safety plan or answers to legal questions, the first step can be small. Bookmark this page, share it with someone who might need it, and return to it whenever you are ready. The complete list is available in our domestic violence resources guide.

This article is general information, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Phone numbers and services can change, so confirm details with each organization. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.