Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.
Hi friend. If someone is hurting you or scaring you, it is not your fault. You deserve to be safe. There are people in Virginia who can help, any time, day or night.
If you're in danger right now, call 911. To talk with someone, call the Virginia Statewide Hotline at 800.838.8238, any time.
A few things to know
- You choose. Use what feels right for you and skip anything that doesn't.
- Each place decides who it can serve. We share what each place says it offers and how to reach it. We can't promise a bed, money or a spot in any program.
- Hours and details change. Call ahead when you can.
If you're in danger right now, call 911. When you can, call the Virginia Statewide Hotline at 800.838.8238.
It's open 24/7, it's bilingual, and it can connect you to a local program and shelter in Virginia. You can also chat with them online. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is listed below too.
Sources: https://vsdvalliance.org/
Your first steps, when you're ready
- If you're in danger, call 911.
- Call the Virginia hotline at 800.838.8238.
- Make a safety plan with an advocate.
- Ask about shelter and legal help.
- Keep your papers in a safe place.
How do I find a shelter or local program?
Call the Statewide Hotline, and they'll connect you with a local program. There are programs across Virginia.
In the Richmond area, the Greater Richmond Regional Hotline answers 24/7 at 804.612.6126. In Fairfax County, call the county hotline at 703.360.7273. In Hampton Roads, Samaritan House answers 24/7 at 757.430.2120. You can also dial 211.
Sources: https://www.ywcarichmond.org/ https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/familyservices/ https://www.samaritanhouseva.org/
What to say when you call
"Hi. I'm not safe at home and I need help."
"I'm in (town or county)."
"I have (number) kids with me," or "It's just me."
"Can you help me find a safe place?"
How do I make a safety plan?
A safety plan is a plan for how to stay safe, at home, at work, or when you leave. An advocate can help you make one that fits your life.
A small safety bag, if it's safe to keep one
Stay safe online
If you think someone checks your phone or computer, use a library or a friend's device to look for help.
Can I get help with housing?
Some domestic violence programs help survivors with housing, including shelter and help moving. Ask the hotline or your local program.
Virginia's Address Confidentiality Program, run by the Office of the Attorney General, gives survivors a substitute mailing address, to help keep their real address private. You apply through a local domestic or sexual violence program. Call 804.482.2280 with questions.
Sources: https://www.oag.state.va.us/programs-outreach/domestic-violence/address-confidentiality-program
Many shelters welcome kids. Some accept pets, or know who can care for them for a while.
Ask when you call.
Say you need to leave quickly in Chesapeake
You could call the Statewide Hotline at 800.838.8238 and ask for a shelter near you. If you can, you could grab your safety bag. An advocate could help you plan the next steps.
If you're worried about someone, let them know you care and you believe them. Don't push them to leave before they're ready.
Share the hotline number, 800.838.8238, and offer to sit with them while they call.
Believe them
Listening without judging is one of the best things you can do.
What is a protective order, in plain words?
A protective order is a paper from a court that tells someone to stay away from you, or to stop hurting or threatening you. In Virginia, there are different kinds, and which court you go to depends on your situation.
The rules, steps and how long an order lasts are set by the courts, so please check the official pages below and talk with legal aid or an advocate.
The Virginia courts have an online tool called I-CAN! Virginia that helps you fill out the forms, in English or Spanish. A local domestic violence program or legal aid office can also help you through it.
Sources: https://selfhelp.vacourts.gov/page/12/protective-orders https://vacourts.gov/courtadmin/aoc/djs/programs/afapo/home https://www.valegalaid.org/
If you're thinking about a protective order
- If you're in danger right now, call 911.
- Call a domestic violence hotline or local program to talk it through.
- Read the court's protective order pages, or ask an advocate to help.
- Call legal aid to ask about help with your case.
- Write down what happened, with dates, and keep it somewhere safe.
Things to gather, if it's safe
How do I get ready to talk with legal aid or an advocate?
You don't have to know the legal words. Just tell your story in your own way.
Advocates and legal aid staff hear hard things every day, and they want to help you stay safe. Virginia Legal Aid can help you find the office that serves your area.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.valegalaid.org/
Say you're in Hampton and want to know your options
You could call a local domestic violence program from a safe phone. You could ask, "Can someone explain protective orders and help me make a safety plan?" Then you could contact legal aid about court help. You get to decide what's right for you.
It's your choice
You don't have to do everything at once. An advocate can help you think through each step, at your pace.
Questions people ask a lot
Is the hotline confidential?
Hotlines work to keep what you share private. Ask them how it works when you call.
Can I bring my kids?
Many shelters welcome children. Ask when you call.
What if I'm not ready to leave?
That's okay. An advocate can still help you make a plan.
Can I get legal help?
Yes, maybe. Legal aid may help with protective orders. Questions about that? Check the official page below.
Is there a cost?
Hotline help is offered at no cost.
How do I make the most of each call?
Calling for help can feel like a lot. A little planning makes each call easier, and you'll get further, faster.
- Call early in the day if you can. It leaves time to follow up the same day.
- Have a pen, paper and your papers close by before you call.
- Say what you need in one or two sentences first. Then answer their questions.
- Ask, "Is there anything else I should apply for?" One call can open more doors.
- Before you hang up, ask who you talked to and what happens next.
- Write it all down in your call log at the back of this guide.
If you get put on hold or cut off
"Hi, I was just talking with someone about (what you need), and we got cut off."
"Can you help me pick up where we left off?"
"Is there a direct number I can use if this happens again?"
Keep going, friend
If one place can't help, ask them who can. Each call gets you closer.
What if I'm told no, or put on a waitlist?
A no from one place isn't a no from everyone. Programs have different rules, funds and space, and things change from week to week.
- Ask why. Knowing the reason helps you know what to try next.
- Ask, "Who else could help with this?" Write down every name and number they share.
- If you're on a waitlist, ask how long it usually takes and how you'll hear from them. Ask how often you should check in.
- Keep your phone number and address up to date with every program, so you don't miss a call or letter.
- If a state agency turns you down, read the letter right away. It explains how to ask for a review. Call legal aid if you want help.
- Dial 211, or search 211virginia.org any time, to look for other options near you.
Keep your papers safe
You're doing great
Asking for help, and asking again, takes strength. I'm cheering you on every step of the way.
Here is help that works across Virginia, then local help in the Richmond area and in Northern Virginia, then help for Hampton Roads and other areas. Call ahead for hours.
Federal help (works in every state)
Here are some places to start.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
What it offers Private, no cost support 24/7 for anyone hurt or threatened by a partner. Advocates can help you make a safety plan and find local programs and shelter. The Hotline does not give cash or hotel vouchers, but it can connect you to local groups that may.
How to reach Call 800.799.7233. Text START to 88788. Chat at https://www.thehotline.org/ For Native American and Alaska Native survivors, the StrongHearts Native Helpline is 844.762.8483.
Source https://www.thehotline.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
love is respect (National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline)
What it offers Support for young people dealing with abuse in a relationship, or anyone with questions about healthy relationships.
How to reach Call 866.331.9474. Online: https://www.loveisrespect.org/
Source https://www.thehotline.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Virginia
Here are some places to start.
Virginia Statewide Hotline (Sexual and Domestic Violence)
What it offers A 24/7 bilingual hotline for anyone in Virginia affected by domestic violence, sexual violence or dating violence. They can connect you to a local program and shelter.
How to reach Call 800.838.8238, any time, or chat on the source page.
Source https://vsdvalliance.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Address Confidentiality Program (Office of the Attorney General)
What it offers A mail forwarding program that gives survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, stalking and trafficking a substitute address, to help keep their real address private. You apply through a local domestic or sexual violence program.
How to reach Call 804.482.2280 with questions, or call the Statewide Hotline at 800.838.8238 to find a local program.
Source https://www.oag.state.va.us/programs-outreach/domestic-violence/address-confidentiality-program
Last checked October 22, 2026
211 Virginia
What it offers A help line and online search for local help with housing, food, utilities, health care and more, anywhere in Virginia.
How to reach Dial 211, or search any time at https://211virginia.org/
Source https://211virginia.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Virginia Legal Aid (866-LEGLAID)
What it offers One statewide number that connects you to the civil legal aid office for your area, plus plain language legal information online.
How to reach Call 866.534.5243, or start at https://www.valegalaid.org/
Source https://www.valegalaid.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (Virginia)
What it offers Talk to someone right away if you or someone you know is in a mental health or substance use crisis. Open 24/7 for calls, texts and chat. In Virginia, 988 can also connect you to your local community services board.
How to reach Call or text 988, or chat at https://988lifeline.org/
Source https://988lifeline.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Greater Richmond
Here are some places to start.
Greater Richmond Regional Hotline (YWCA Richmond)
What it offers A 24/7 hotline for people in the Richmond area affected by domestic violence or sexual violence.
How to reach Call 804.612.6126, any time.
Source https://www.ywcarichmond.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Central Virginia Legal Aid Society
What it offers Civil legal help for people who qualify in the Richmond area and Central Virginia, including housing problems.
How to reach Call 804.648.1012 or 800.868.1012.
Source https://www.cvlas.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Greater Richmond Homeless Connection Line (Homeward)
What it offers The front door to shelter and homeless help for the City of Richmond and nearby counties. Call if you are homeless now or about to lose your place.
How to reach Call 804.972.0813.
Source https://homewardva.org/get-help/
Last checked October 22, 2026
City of Richmond Department of Social Services
What it offers Applications for SNAP, TANF, Medicaid and energy help for Richmond residents, plus emergency help and referrals.
How to reach Call 804.646.7212.
Source https://www.rva.gov/social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Northern Virginia
Here are some places to start.
Fairfax County Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline
What it offers A 24 hour hotline for people in Fairfax County affected by domestic or sexual violence.
How to reach Call 703.360.7273 (TTY 711), any time.
Source https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/familyservices/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Legal Services of Northern Virginia
What it offers Civil legal help for people who qualify in Northern Virginia, including housing problems.
How to reach Call 703.778.6800.
Source https://www.lsnv.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning
What it offers The first call for help with housing, food, financial help and other needs in Fairfax County.
How to reach Call 703.222.0880.
Source https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/familyservices/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board
What it offers Mental health and substance use care in Fairfax County and nearby cities, with 24/7 emergency help.
How to reach Emergency: call 703.573.5679 (TTY 711). Non emergency: call 703.383.8500.
Source https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/community-services-board/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Hampton Roads and other areas
Every Virginia city and county has a local department of social services. If you don't live in the Richmond area or Northern Virginia, start with yours. Here are a few, plus help in Hampton Roads. Find any local office at https://www.dss.virginia.gov/localagency/ or dial 211.
Norfolk Department of Human Services
What it offers Benefits, emergency help and referrals for Norfolk residents.
How to reach Call 757.664.6000.
Source https://www.norfolk.gov/295/Human-Services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Virginia Beach Department of Human Services
What it offers Benefits, emergency help and referrals for Virginia Beach residents.
How to reach Call the customer call center at 757.385.4306.
Source https://hs.virginiabeach.gov/financial-assistance
Last checked October 22, 2026
Chesapeake Department of Human Services
What it offers Benefits, emergency help and referrals for Chesapeake residents.
How to reach Call 757.382.2000.
Source https://www.cityofchesapeake.net/358/Chesapeake-Social-Services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Lynchburg Department of Human Services
What it offers Benefits, emergency help and referrals for Lynchburg residents.
How to reach Call 434.455.5850.
Source https://www.lynchburgva.gov/social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Samaritan House (Virginia Beach)
What it offers Shelter and support in Hampton Roads for people affected by domestic violence, sexual violence or homelessness.
How to reach 24/7 hotline: call 757.430.2120. Office: 757.631.0710.
Source https://www.samaritanhouseva.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Legal Aid Society of Eastern Virginia
What it offers Civil legal help for people who qualify in Hampton Roads and the Eastern Shore.
How to reach Call the Community Support Team at 757.827.5078.
Source https://www.laseva.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Virginia Community Action Partnership
What it offers Lists the Community Action Agencies across Virginia. Local agencies may help with emergency needs, job training, Head Start and other programs when funds allow.
How to reach Find your agency at https://vacap.org/ or dial 211.
Source https://vacap.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
My safety plan
Fill this in with a pen, or snap a photo and keep it on your phone. You've got this!
My next steps
Calls I made today
Key numbers to keep
You're doing the right thing
Reaching out takes courage, my friend. You don't have to do this alone. There are people ready to help, any time, day or night.
About this guide
Made by the Bunklow team. No sign up, no paywall, no cost. Please share it with anyone who could use it. Bunklow does not run these programs and cannot speak for them. We list what each place says it offers and how to reach it, and you decide what to use. This is not a full list of every place that can help. Every source was checked on October 22, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it. We are always happy to hear from you!
Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.
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