Frequently Asked Questions

 Domestic violence is a pattern of power and control used by one person to dominate another. It can include physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, technological, financial, or spiritual abuse.
Abuse is not always physical — harm can be silent, invisible, and manipulative. 

 If your partner, family member, or someone in your household:
        •       Controls who you see, talk to, message, or spend time with
        •       Tracks your phone, social media, or location
        •       Threatens to harm you, your pets, or themselves
        •       Takes or controls money, transportation, or documents
        •       Calls you names, humiliates you, or blames you for everything
        •       Uses fear, threats, or intimidation to control you

It’s abuse. If you’re questioning it, you deserve support, not permission. 

 No.
We support survivors at all stages:
        •       Still living with the abuser
        •       Planning to leave
        •       Recently left
        •       Navigating separation, custody, or healing

Your safety plan is your choice, and we meet you where you are. 

 A safety plan is a personalized strategy to keep yourself and your children as safe as possible. It may include:
        •       Emergency contacts
        •       Safe exits
        •       Documents to pack
        •       Technology safety steps
        •       Legal options
        •       Code words with trusted people

A safety plan can be created privately — even if you’re not ready to leave. 

 In most areas, yes. You may qualify for:
        •       Protection Order (PO)
        •       No-Contact Order (NCO)
        •       Temporary Emergency Order
        •       Custody & Stay-Away Provisions

Many advocates can help you file for free, and you do not need a lawyer to start. 

 You are not alone — and lack of resources does not disqualify you from help.
There are programs that may help with:

🗸 Emergency shelter
Relocation support
Childcare
Food & basic needs
Transportation
Counseling & advocacy
Legal support

We can help connect you to services in your area. 

 Your privacy matters.
We provide:
        •       Confidential communication
        •       Safety-checked digital support
        •       Help cleaning your device history
        •       Secure contact methods

If you’re in danger, call 911 or exit the site using a safety button or quick-close tab (if enabled). 

 Yes — we can help guide you:
        •       Court forms
        •       Court preparation
        •       Documentation templates
        •       Evidence organization
        •       Legal advocates and referrals
        •       Understanding your rights

You do not have to face the system alone. 

 We’ll respond with:
        1.      Support — not pressure
        2.      A trauma-informed advocate
        3.      Next steps based on what YOU want
        4.      Resources tailored to your situation

You stay in control of every decision. 

 Yes. Leaving abuse is a process — not a single event. 

On average, survivors leave 7–11 times before separation becomes permanent.
There is no shame in your journey. Support isn’t conditional.

 Abuse comes in many forms. If someone uses:
        •       Fear
        •       Control
        •       Manipulation
        •       Isolation
        •       Threats
        •       Monitoring
        •       Financial control
        •       Intimidation

without hitting you, it is still abuse. 

 That’s okay.
You can receive support, safety planning, and resources without involving law enforcement unless you choose to.

 Many shelters and services support survivors with pets, or can help arrange:
        •       Boarding
        •       Foster programs
        •       Crisis pet care
        •       Emotional support animal protections

Your pets are family — we will help keep them safe. 

 You may still qualify for:
        •       Emergency funds
        •       Public assistance
        •       Safe phones
        •       Shelter transportation
        •       Relocation resources
        •       Legal advocacy

Your lack of access is proof of abuse, not a barrier. 

 We can help you:
        •       Check your devices for spyware
        •       Update privacy settings
        •       Create a safe tech strategy
        •       Document evidence safely
        •       Protect accounts and location

Technology abuse is real — and preventable. 

 Yes. Many states consider:
        •       Abuse
        •       Safety of the child
        •       History of violence
        •       Threats or coercion

Courts can order supervised visits, no-contact exchanges, or protections to keep you and your children safe.

 Save or record (when safe):
        •       Threats and screenshots
        •       Texts, emails, social media messages
        •       Photos of injuries or damage
        •       Dates, times, and witnesses
        •       Financial control or restrictions
        •       Medical or police reports

Documentation can support legal protection — but do so safely. 

 Just start with:

“I need help.”

You don’t need a perfect story — you just need to reach out. We’ll help with the rest.