Relationships and Safety

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Warning

Anyone with access to your phone or computer can check which websites you visit. It’s not possible to clear your Internet history completely from your computer or phone. It may be safer to use a public computer, such as at a library, or a friend’s phone. If you have been abused or are afraid of someone, contact a hotline (link is external) at 800-799-SAFE (800-799-7233), or learn more ways to get help.

Relationships, Safety, and Violence (PDF, 109 KB)

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Get help

The National Domestic Violence Hotline

Call 800-799-SAFE (7233).
Staff is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Get information in more than 170 languages.
You will hear a recording and may have to wait for a short time.
Hotline staff offer safety planning and crisis help. They can connect you to shelters and services in your area.
Staff can send out written information on topics such as domestic violence, sexual assault, and the legal system.
You can also get help through email or live chat on the hotline’s contact page (link is external).

The National Dating Abuse Helpline

Call 866-331-9474 or 866-331-8453 (TDD).
Staff is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
You will hear a recording and may have to wait for a short time.
You can get help through a live online chat from 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. ET. Learn more about the National Dating Abuse Helpline live chat.
You can also chat with helpline staff via email or text “loveis” to 22522.

The National Sexual Assault Hotline

Call 800-656-4673.
Staff is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
You will hear a recording that asks whether you prefer English or Spanish and whether you want to talk to a hotline staff member.
You can get live online help through the National Sexual Assault Online Hotline in English or Spanish.

The Office on Women's Health is grateful for the medical review by:

Kathleen C. Basile, Ph.D., Lead Behavioral Scientist, Division of Violence Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Kathryn Jones, M.S.W., Public Health Advisor, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Sharon G. Smith, Ph.D., Behavioral Scientist, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) Staff

All material contained on these pages are free of copyright restrictions and maybe copied, reproduced, or duplicated without permission of the Office on Women’s Health in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Citation of the source is appreciated.

Page last updated: February 15, 2021