Home should be a place of love, support, and sanctuary. Yet an estimated 10 million people experience domestic violence every year.
Domestic violence is defined as abuse by a family member or intimate partner. This abuse may be emotional, physical, sexual, or financial. It might take lesser-known forms like legal harassment or reproductive coercion. It can sometimes be hard to recognize it happening, and it is never your fault.
In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we’re highlighting 18 nonprofits dedicated to the cause. In addition to meeting the immediate needs of survivors, these domestic violence nonprofit organizations work on advocacy to end domestic violence once and for all.
If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse from a partner, family member, or friend, help is available. Call 1-800-799-SAFE or text START to 88788.
Nonprofits Supporting Domestic Violence
1. La Casa de las Madres
La Casa de las Madres stands for a safer San Francisco. They make themselves accessible 24/7/365 to help abuse survivors of all ages. Founded in 1976 by a group of Bay Area women, La Casa was California’s first shelter for what had been newly termed domestic violence. Their name reflects the refuge they provide, the women and children they serve, and the mothers already lost to gender-based violence. Their round-the-clock crisis response comprises a hotline, textline, and confidentially-located emergency shelter. They also offer support services like counseling, safety planning, and permanent housing to help women and girls build violence-free lives.
Learn more about our featured Spotlight La Casa de las Madres.
Help is available: call 877-503-1850 or text their support line at 415-200-3575.
For donors who care about:
- Providing 24/7 safety and care to domestic violence victims
- Community outreach in the San Francisco Bay Area
- Education that helps keep teens safe in dating relationships
How to support La Casa de las Madres
- Donate directly
- Gift shares or stock options of your corporation
- Choose them to receive a portion of your purchases on AmazonSmile
- Shop and donate your cash back with Giving Assistant
2. Equality Now
Gender inequality is more than just an ongoing phenomenon of lived experiences. It’s a movement that uses every lever available—including the law—to keep women down. In fact, almost every country in the world has laws that treat people differently on the basis of sex or gender. Enter Equality Now: They’re working to hold governments accountable for laws that discriminate against women and girls. By fighting with policy, Equality Now has moved humanity forward on human rights issues without waiting for oppressors to modernize their agenda.
For donors who care about:
- Ending economic discrimination against women
- Ending child marriage in the US and abroad
- Ending sex trafficking and sexual violence
How to support Equality Now
- Donate directly
- Buy from their online store
- Fundraise while livestreaming with Tiltify
- Shop and donate your cash back with Giving Assistant
3. National Network to End Domestic Violence
The National Network to End Domestic Violence, or NNEDV, is changing the way society sees domestic violence. Through collaborations at the state, federal and international level, they strive to address its complex causes and develop comprehensive, specialized responses. 56 state and territorial coalitions make up this network, and they coordinate to strengthen social services and address systemic barriers facing survivors.
For donors who care about:
- Prioritizing domestic violence on a national level
- Public policy and anti-violence legislation
- Economic justice and personal finance education
- Housing and support services for survivors
How to support National Network to End Domestic Violence
- Donate directly
- Shop their store
- Share your voice with congress
- Participate in a peer-to-peer fundraiser
- Shop and donate your cash back with Giving Assistant
4. National Domestic Violence Hotline
The National Domestic Violence Hotline has been providing support and immediate assistance to domestic violence survivors for over 25 years. By reaching out to The Hotline, anyone affected by domestic violence—whether they’re experiencing it themselves, are witnessing it, or suspect it—can be connected to an advocate who will help them brainstorm their options. They can also simply talk to someone with an open heart and empathic ear, 24/7.
Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), text START to 88788, or use the live chat feature on their website to find judgment-free support today.
For donors who care about:
- Providing 24/7 safety and care to domestic violence victims
- Continuing to improve anti-domestic violence services
- Education that can help keep kids and teens safe
How to support the National Domestic Violence Hotline
- Donate directly
- Shop and donate your cash back with Giving Assistant
5. love is respect
A project of the National Domestic Violence Hotline, love is respect offers 24/7 support for teens and adults up to age 26. Their free resources help educate young people on what to expect in a relationship and how to ensure mutual safety and happiness as they navigate dating. Just like The National Domestic Violence Hotline, they’re available for nonjudgemental conversations by phone, live chat, or text message.
Need help for you or a friend? Call 1-866-331-9474, use their live chat feature, or text LOVEIS to 22522.
For donors who care about:
- Providing 24/7 help to teens and young adults
- Education about intimate partner violence in dating
- Support for young LGBTQ people
How to support Love is Respect
6. W.O.M.A.N., Inc.
W.O.M.A.N., Inc. is a San Francisco-based nonprofit supporting survivors on their healing journeys. They believe that everyone deserves to feel at home in their body, their home, and their community. Their advocacy recognizes the role of intersecting oppressions in domestic violence—such as racism, xenophobia, homophobia, and transphobia—and the necessity of centering survivors. W.O.M.A.N., Inc. offers peer counseling and peer support groups for San Francisco residents. At this time, these services are offered remotely due to the pandemic.
Both San Francisco residents and non-residents can call their 24/7 support line at 877-384-3578.
For donors who care about:
- Healing practices rooted in ancestry, art, and community
- Supporting abolitionist organizational structures
- Intersectional approaches to anti-violence
How to support W.O.M.A.N., Inc.
7. The Northwest Network
Building loving communities. Ending violence and abuse. This is the guiding mission of The Northwest Network of Bi, Trans, Lesbian & Gay Survivors of Abuse, also known as The NW Network. They offer information and workshops for abuse survivors, their friends, and people looking to have better relationships. Survivors can also find counseling services and support groups. The NW Network recognizes the role of community in escaping DV, and they help survivors strengthen their social networks to maintain independence from abusive partners. Those working in the field can also find resources for developing programming and curricula.
Get in touch with The NW Network at 206-568-7777.
For donors who care about:
- Helping LGBTQ people
- Building loving and equitable relationships
- Research that centers the LGBTQ experience
How to support The Northwest Network
- Donate directly
- Download their free advocacy toolkit
- Shop and donate your cash back with Giving Assistant
8. RAINN
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is the nation’s premier organization against sexual violence. Their impact is felt both individually for the over 3.7 million survivors and loved ones they have helped. It’s also felt nationally with their work in media and public policy. RAINN works with governmental departments to make this issue front and center—and they’re leading the push to end the rape kit backlog. Survivors can find free, confidential support on their 24/7 hotline, as well as Spanish-speaking support online at rainn.org/es.
Talk to someone any time at 800.656.HOPE. Live chat is also available on their website.
For donors who care about:
- Helping victims of sexual abuse and assault
- Raising the visibility of sexual violence
- Public policy and criminal justice
How to support RAINN
- Donate directly
- Shop and donate your cash back with Giving Assistant
9. Futures Without Violence
Futures Without Violence, also stylized as FUTURES, was founded by lifelong activist Esta Soler. FUTURES was a driving force behind the passage of the Violence Against Women Act in 1994. Today the organization provides groundbreaking programs, policies and campaigns to end violence against womens and children. On the industry side, FUTURES offers professional development for people who serve survivors. Since 1998 they’ve educated over 12,000 judges to better respond to domestic violence cases. FUTURES is headquartered in San Francisco with offices in Boston and Washington, D.C.
For donors who care about:
- Male mentorship and youth sports coaching
- Workplace safety and equity
- Public policy and advocacy
How to support Futures Without Violence
- Donate directly
- Shop and donate your cash back with Giving Assistant
10. Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence
The Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence is imagining a world without violence against women. They do culturally-specific advocacy for Asians and Pacific Islanders such as systems engagement and participatory research. They study the unique challenges that culture and immigration status pose to survivors. API-GBV also maintains a collection of in-language resources from third parties. Find resources like cue cards and informative brochures for AAPI language speakers. Their research, webinars, and publications help increase cultural competencies in the field of domestic violence prevention.
For donors who care about:
- Education about gender-based violence
- Culturally-informed advocacy
- Helping AAPI survivors
- Supporting immigrants
How to support API-GBV
- Donate directly
- Shop and donate your cash back with Giving Assistant
11. ASISTA Immigration Assistance
ASISTA works with attorneys representing immigrant survivors of violence. They provide cutting-edge technical assistance and resources on immigration law. They train lawyers, law enforcement personnel, advocates, and judges virtually and in person. And they keep a close eye on the DHS to ensure the law is implemented as Congress intended. It’s all in service to their mission of helping immigrants live with dignity, rights, and liberty.
For donors who care about:
- Immigrant rights and immigration protections
- Justice for survivors of domestic violence
- Making change through public policy
How to support ASISTA
- Donate directly
- Donate stocks through Vanguard or Fidelity
12. Battered Women’s Justice Project
The Battered Women’s Justice Project provides expertise, technical assistance, and training on intimate partner violence. As the national resource center on civil and criminal justice responses to IPV, they’re responsible for a breadth of initiatives tackling this phenomenon. Organizations that serve survivors may be interested in BWJP’s customized training and facilitation. Individuals and agencies can contact BWJP for consultations on best practices and project planning. They also maintain an 800 number for both professionals and survivors with questions about the legal system.
Callers can reach BWJP on weekday afternoons from 12:00PM to 4:00PM Central Time. Dial 800-903-0111, then prompt 1. If calling outside of business hours, leave a message and BWJP will return your call the next business day.
For donors who care about:
- Research on intimate partner violence
- Domestic violence-related firearm prohibitions
- Legal advocacy for victims
How to support Battered Women’s Justice Project
- Donate directly
- Make BWJP your preferred charity on AmazonSmile
13. WomensLaw
WomensLaw.org provides plain-language legal information for abuse survivors of all genders. A project of NNEDV, it provides free, accessible education on the different kinds of abuse and your options for finding safety and recourse. Find out about the laws in your state regarding restraining orders, custody, divorce, immigration, and more. They have resources about preparing for court, what to expect during the trial, and how to self-advocate after a decision is issued. And their email hotline is available to take your questions and give referrals and emotional support.
(Note that while WomensLaw can provide basic legal information, they can’t give legal counsel. Also, the hotline sometimes closes to new users to deal with high query volume. They always say when it’s down and when it will next be available.)
For donors who care about:
- Empowering people with easy-to-understand legal information
- Helping abuse survivors find safety and seek justice
- Education about the different forms of abuse
How to support WomensLaw
- Donate directly
- Shop and donate your cash back with Giving Assistant (WomensLaw is a project of NNEDV)
14. Domestic Violence Ended
Domestic Violence Ended (DOVE) is a Massachusetts-based nonprofit helping local people and children escape and rise above violence. In addition to their 24/7 support services, DOVE works to bring anti-domestic violence education to the community, teaching people how to recognize violence and abuse—from emotional to verbal and physical—and safely intervene. Their work also helps community professionals, such as social workers, physicians, and teachers, learn how to better support victims of domestic violence. DOVE has been serving their community and saving lives since 1978.
For donors who care about…
- Anti-domestic violence work in Norfolk County, MA
- Community anti-domestic violence education
- Improving how professionals work with victims of domestic violence
- 24/7 support and empowerment for victims
How to Support DOVE
- Donate directly
- Purchase items needed for families
- Adopt a family for the holidays
- Volunteer
- Shop and donate your cash back with Giving Assistant
15. Domestic Violence Network
The Domestic Violence Network (DVN) is a nonprofit working to shift society and amplify the conversations that will help stop domestic violence where it starts: within our culture and communities, where violence is still too often met with shame and silence. Through partnerships with influencers and community leaders, DVN works to inspire victims, families, and young people to stand up and work together to prevent and stop domestic violence. DNV also invests heavily in research and data analysis that helps improve anti-domestic violence resources and education, and improve the way we serve and help those affected by violence, abuse, and neglect.
For donors who care about…
- Anti-domestic violence research and education
- Improving domestic violence support services and resources
- Empowering families and youth to speak up
- Altering the culture to help end domestic violence
How to Support Domestic Violence Network
- Donate directly
- Shop and donate your cash back via Giving Assistant
16. Break the Silence Against Domestic Violence
Break the Silence Against Domestic Violence (BTSADV) is a nonprofit that brings domestic violence survivors together to serve, protect, and support victims in need today. Employees and volunteers with BTSADV don’t just work to help get people out of violent situations and find them safe, healthy places to rebuild their lives: they also work with them long-term to help mitigate the effects long-term violence can have, such as PTSD and other mental health problems. “Survivors helping survivors” is their mantra—one they have manifested to the fullest, as evidenced by their very large, very active Facebook page where thousands have found support, empowerment, and community, as well as through their retreats and family programs.
For donors who care about…
- Empowering survivors
- Nurturing a community of survivors
- Anti-domestic violence support and education
- Providing for victims of domestic violence in need
How to Support Break the Silence Against Domestic Violence
- Donate directly
- Sponsor a family for the holidays
- Share a story
- Shop and donate your cash back with Giving Assistant
17. National Council on Child Abuse and Family Violence
National Council on Child Abuse and Family Violence (NCCAFV) is a nonprofit whose work focuses on preventing domestic violence and child and elder abuse through education, but also by rallying volunteers who can help provide services and support to domestic abuse survivors within their own communities through their Community Volunteer Program. Volunteers can form local chapters that can give victims of domestic violence a safe harbor to seek help, shelter, and resources, as well as provide a place for witnesses of domestic violence and abuse to report their observations, and initiate investigations with the expertise of local law enforcement and social services. NCCAFV even partners with a number of other programs that are also working to fight family, child, and elder abuse on an international level.
For donors who care about…
Mobilizing local communities against domestic violence
Tackling domestic violence internationally
Increasing education and resources nationwide
How to Support National Council on Child Abuse and Family Violence
- Donate directly
- Learn about their volunteer program
- Shop and donate your cash back with Giving Assistant
18. Break the Cycle
Break the Cycle is a nonprofit working to end partner violence among young people, by helping to teach young people how to identify violent or abusive behaviors in relationships, and how to protect themselves from it or stop it. Since its founding, Break the Cycle has delivered education and supportive services that have impacted more than 7 million teenagers nationwide, and that have even empowered thousands of teens to lead others in the fight against intimate partner abuse. Break the Cycle has also involved themselves in public policy, standing up and encouraging lawmakers to remember the young victims of intimate partner violence, and to make choices that will help protect them, and that will help stop the abuse before it begins.
For donors who care about…
- Stopping teen intimate partner violence
- Building confidence in teens and promoting leadership
- Making domestic and partner violence and national conversation
- Teaching teens about healthy relationships
How to Support Break the Cycle
- Donate directly
- Shop their store
- Shop and donate your cash back using Giving Assistant
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We partner with nonprofits big and small, so it’s easy to support the causes close to your heart. Consider choosing one of the nonprofits above this October.