Counseling Services for Victims
New York City provides several options to individuals as they consider leaving an abusive relationship. Social service organizations and City agencies offer counseling services to victims of abuse, their children, family, and friends.

Victims of domestic violence, their friends, and family members are encouraged to call the all language, toll-free New York City Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-621-HOPE (4673) to receive support, referrals, and information about domestic violence. Victims of abuse who have been sexually assaulted should also call the Rape/Sexual Assault/Incest Hotline to speak with a trained advocate at 212-227-3000. In case of emergency, dial 911.

How can I find out what services are available?
In New York City, government and nonprofit agencies work together to provide a variety of supportive services to victims of domestic violence and their children.
Get the City of New York Resource Directory of Domestic Violence (in PDF)

Where can I get help?
The all language, toll-free New York City Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The calls are free, and counselors are able to help victims of abuse no matter what language they speak. Counselors provide crisis counseling, safety planning, assistance with finding shelter, referrals to social service programs, police advocacy, and other crucial services. Calls can be made on behalf of a friend or family member. Please call the hotline at 800-621-HOPE (4673) for more information. Hotline operators speak many languages, including:

• Spanish (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
• Mandarin
• Cantonese
• French
• Creole
• Fujianese
• Italian
• German
• Russian
• Turkish

Translation services are also available in 140 languages.

The hearing impaired can call 212-233-3456 and 800-810-7444.

Counseling services may be provided by professional therapists or counselors free of charge, at a sliding-scale basis or for a flat fee. Contact the Domestic Violence Hotline or one of the organizations in The City of New York Resource Directory of Domestic Violence Services.

What is the Alternative to Shelter Program?
The Human Resources Administration’s Alternative to Shelter (ATS) Program allows victims of domestic violence the opportunity to remain safely in their own homes. Operated by the Human Resources Administration (HRA), ATS uses of state-of-the-art security technology and a coordinated response by the NYPD. In order to enroll in this program, the victim must have an Order of Protection, which excludes the batterer from the victim’s home. If you are interested in this program, please contact HRA’s Office of Domestic Violence at 212-331-4500.