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Get Help

If you need someone to talk to, call NYC’s Hope hotline at 1-800-621-4673 (HOPE) or chat with a hotline advocate online. The hotline is free and confidential, 24 hours, 7 days a week. Staff can help you in numerous languages and direct you to services. Find additional community resources with the NYC Hope Services Finder.

In an emergency, call 911.

Domestic Violence

The NYPD recognizes that domestic violence affects people of all ages, backgrounds, and identities. Our approach emphasizes confidentiality, respect, and collaboration with advocates and service providers to ensure survivors receive comprehensive care and justice.

The NYPD responds to approximately 230,000 domestic incidents annually, or nearly 600 calls a day. NYPD police officers are trained to respond to unpredictable and potentially volatile situations with professionalism, empathy, and a strong focus on safety. They understand that every situation is different and safety may look different to each survivor. Across the city, more than 400 dedicated domestic violence investigators and supervisors work every day to support individuals and families impacted by domestic violence. These officers conduct home visits, assist with court referrals, and connect survivors to vital resources, including advocacy, counseling, shelter options, and safety planning. They can also help facilitate how to obtain orders of protection and link individuals to ongoing support services. NYPD DV personnel share the goals of promoting safety, empowering survivors, and connecting every person affected by domestic violence with the help they want and deserve.

The Department is committed to serving all communities in the City of New York. Survivors of domestic and gender-based violence, stalking, and other sexually related crimes who have entered the United States on a temporary basis may be eligible for U nonimmigrant status. Learn more about U nonimmigrant status, also known as U visa Certification.


Law Enforcement-Related Information/Resources

Domestic Violence Squads at Precincts

Use Our Precinct Locator 

Domestic Violence Investigators and crime victim advocates are available in the precinct to assist survivors and persons involved in a domestic incident. Their assistance includes, but is not limited to report taking, obtaining an order of protection through Family Court, safety planning, and referrals to essential services, including at NYC Family Justice Centers, legal advice, social services assistance, emergency housing transfers, crisis intervention and counseling support.

What to Expect When Calling the Police 

The police can help you:

  • Reach safety at a shelter or safe home.
  • Obtain an Order of Protection, a legal order for your abuser to cease harming or threatening you and/or your children.
  • Access medical care, legal advice, social services assistance, emergency housing transfers, crisis intervention, and counseling support for you and your children.
  • Develop a safety plan.
  • Send an officer to perform a security survey of your home.
  • Arrange to have your locks changed for free

How the Police Can Help (PDF Brochure)

See also: Home+ Program (previously called Alternatives to Shelter)

Evidence and Documentation

Consider tips for safely documenting abuse from the National Domestic Violence Hotline


Legal Rights

Victims of crime have the right to information and services.

Read also: Orders of Protection   How the Police Can Help (PDF Brochure)

Support Others

Learn how friends, family, and concerned community members and bystanders can support survivors (NYC Hope Website)

Victim Advocate/Support Resources

Hotlines

Hotlines provide help, support, information, and referrals. Many hotlines offer free 24-hour assistance and, in some cases, may provide over-the-phone crisis counseling. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.


Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP)

CVAP victim advocates are available to help survivors of domestic violence and other crimes at precincts citywide.

Emergency Housing & Shelters

Counseling & Medical Services

Many programs may provide counseling, information, and referrals regardless of where you live or your immigration status.

Find counseling and medical services and resources

Additional Resources

Brochures

How the Police Can Help (PDF) CÓMO PUEDE AYUDAR LA POLICÍA KOUMAN LAPOLIS KA EDE 警方如何提供幫助 ПОЛИЦИЯ ПРИХОДИТ НА ПОМОЩЬ كيف تستطيع الشرطة المساعدة
Safety Planning (PDF) PLAN DE SEGURIDAD PLANIFIKASYON SEKIRITEE 制定安全計劃 ПЛАНИРОВАНИЕ БЕЗОПАСНОСТИ التخطيط للسلامة
Stalking (PDF) CÓMO PONER FIN AL ACOSO MOUN K AP SWIVOU TOUTAN 停止糾纏 ПРЕСЛЕДОВАНИЕ الملاحقة
Strangulation (Choking) ESTRANGULACIÓN (ASFIXIA) STRANGULASYON (TOUFE) 絞勒(掐壓)頸部 УДУШЕНИЕ الخنق