City of Philadelphia, PA

05/02/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/02/2024 07:56

Five Things You Should Know About the Philadelphia Domestic Violence Hotline

Domestic violence or relationship abuse is an unfortunately common experience. Since 2005, the Philadelphia Domestic Violence Hotlinehas served callers as a point of access for information and support related to domestic violence. Anyone can call the Philadelphia Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-866-723-3014.

What you should know about the Hotline:

  1. It's free and available 24/7.
    People in abusive relationships may need support at any hour. So, the hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, toll-free. All callers can get information, encouragement, and safety planning from the hotline for free.
  2. It's confidential.
    Safety is a priority for the Hotline, so information shared on a call is confidential. Callers choose how much information they want to share with the Hotline counselor.
  3. Anyone can call.
    The Hotline averages about 12,000 calls per year. While most calls are from people experiencing domestic violence, anyone affected by domestic violence can call. That includes family or friends concerned about someone else's relationship, or professionals looking for advice on how to help a client.
    Domestic violence can be experienced by anyone. The Hotline is available to everyone regardless of gender, sexuality, immigration status, or any other status. Interpretation services are available for callers who do not speak English.
  4. Safety assessment and referrals.
    Hotline counselors work with callers to assess for their specific safety concerns. One of the most important things that callers can receive from the Hotline is help making a safety plan.A safety plan is a personalized set of steps or strategies to help someone stay safer. Hotline counselors will also recommend resources to callers based on their interests and needs, including legal services, counseling, or other resources.
  5. It's the intake to a domestic violence shelter.
    For callers who need to leave their situation immediately, the Philadelphia Domestic Violence Hotline also serves as the point of intake to the two emergency domestic violence shelters in Philadelphia. If the shelters are not a viable option, hotline counselors will work with callers to recommend other housing and shelter options depending on the situation.

Get help or share help

If you think that your relationship is abusive, or if you think someone you know is being abused, call the 24-hour Philadelphia Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-866-723-3014. Language interpretation is available.

As a professional, make sure you have materials in your office or workplace with the Philadelphia Domestic Violence Hotline number. Contact [email protected]to request materials.