Domestic violence is the mistreatment of one family member or intimate partner by another. The abuse can be physical, sexual, verbal, emotional and psychological. Domestic violence is the mistreatment of one family member or intimate partner by another.
The CDC defines domestic violence as “physical violence, sexual violence, stalking, and psychological aggression (including coercive acts) by a current or former intimate partner.” Domestic and family violence has no boundaries.
There are 4 types of abuse:
- Psychological and/or emotional abuse.
- Physical or sexual abuse.
- Financial or economic abuse.
- Harassment and stalking.
There are five main factors which contribute to violence between family members:
- Stress
- Personal dispositions
- Social isolation
- Cultural or societal norms
- Situational factors.
Signs of Emotional Abuse
- Lack of confidence and self-esteem.
- Difficulties controlling emotions.
- Extreme behavior, like becoming overly demanding, aggressive, having outbursts, or becoming passive.
- Difficulties making and maintaining relationships.
- Behavior that is inappropriately infantile or adult-like
How can you tell if a person is being abused?
- Signs and indicators
- An air of silence when a particular person is present.
- Withdrawal or change in the psychological state of the person.
- Insomnia
- Low self-esteem.
- Uncooperative and aggressive behavior.
- A change of appetite, weight loss/gain.
- Signs of distress: tearfulness, anger.
How can you help?
If you know someone in an abusive relationship, there are ways you can help.
Listen: If possible, find a time and place that is safe and confidential to talk to your friend/family member. Start the conversation by expressing concern, i.e. “I am worried about your safety.” Allow your friend/family to speak and let them know you believe what they are telling you.
Offer support: Let them know they are not alone and that no one deserves to be hurt. Abuse is not the victim’s fault. Assure them what they are feeling is okay. Then, ask how you can best support them.
Provide resources: Encourage them to reach out to community resources. Connect them with crisis hotlines, support groups, Domestic Violence shelters, mental health services, or anything else they may need.
Help safety plan: Make a safety plan with your friend/family. See safety planning page.
Respect their choices: Do not pressure them into leaving. It is never as simple as just leaving. There are many reasons people stay in an abusive relationship. Offer them support and resources, but ultimately know it is their decision. Do not be judgmental or make them feel bad for staying in an abusive relationship. Let them know you will be there for them no matter what choice they make.
Remember, you are there to support your loved one, not to rescue or save them.
Link: Domestic Violence Resources in San Diego
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 988
Domestic Violence Resources by State
Alabama
AshaKiran
Hotline: 1-800-793-3010
Hours: Available 24/7
Website: ashakiranonline.org
City: Huntsville, AL
California
License to Freedom
Helpline: (619) 401-2800
Website: https://licensetofreedom.org/
City: San Diego, California
Maitri
Hotline: 1-888-862-4874
Hours: Mon- Fri 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM PST
Email: maitri@maitri.org
Website: maitri.org
City: Santa Clara, CA
Narika
Hotline: 1-800-215-7308
Hours: Mon- Fri 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM PST
Email: narika@narika.org
Website: narika.org
City: Fremont, CA
North American Islamic Shelter for the Abused (NISA)
Helpline: 1-888-ASK-NISA or 1-888-275-6472
Hours: Not 24/7
Email: info@asknisa.org
Website: asknisa.org
City: Palo Alto, CA
Saahas for Cause
Helpline: 1-562-526-2508
Hours: Not 24/7
Email: info@saahasforcause.org
Website: https://www.saahasforcause.
City: Cerritos, CA
Sahara
Hotline: 1-888-724-2722
Hours: 24/7
Email: saharaorg@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.saharacares.org/
City: Artesia, CA
South asian network
Helpline: 1-562-403-0488
Hours: Not 24/7
Email: saninfo@sansocal.org
Website: www.southasiannetwork.org
City: Artesia, CA
SD Nari
Helpline: 1-619-800-8554
Hours: 24/7
Email: sdnariyan@gmail.com
Website: www.sdnari.org
City: San Diego, CA
Connecticut
Sneha
Helpline: 1-(860)-537-0795
Hours: Not 24/7
Email: sneha@sneha.org
Website: www.sneha.org
City: West Hartford, CT
Florida
Shakthi US
Helpline: 727 619 4179
Orlando, FL ( Also serves Central FL, Tampa)
www.shakthius.org
Georgia
Raksha, Inc.
Helpline: 1-(866) 725-7423
Hours: Not 24/7
Email: raksha@raksha.org
Website: www.raksha.org
City: Atlanta, GA
Noor Family Services
Helpline: 470-589-7751
Hours: Mon- Fri 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST
Website: https://noorfamilyservices.
City: Suwanee, GA
Illinois
Apna Ghar
Helpline: Phone: 1-773-334-4663 | Text: 1-773-899-1041
Hours: 24/7
Email: help@apnaghar.org
Website: apnaghar.org
City: Chicago, IL
Indiana
Umeed Hope
Helpline: 317-721-1482 OR 317-855-8385
Website: https://www.umeedhope.org/
City: Indianapolis, Indiana
Maryland
Ashiyanaa (formerly ASHA for Women)
Hotline: 1-888-417-2742
Hours: Not 24/7
Website: ashiyanaa.org
City: Bethesda, MD
Saheli
Helpline: 1-866-4SAHELI or 1-866-472-4354
Hours: Not 24/7
Email: info@saheliboston.org
Website: saheliboston.org
City: Burlington, MA
Massachussets
Asian Task Force (Against Domestic Violence)
Helpline: 617-338-2350
Website: https://www.atask.org/
City: Boston, Lowell, Massachusetts
Saheli
Helpline: 1-866-4SAHELI or 1-866-472-4354
Hours: Not 24/7
Email: info@saheliboston.org
Website: saheliboston.org
City: Burlington, MA
Michigan
MAI Family SERVICES (MAIFS)
Helpline: (888) 664-8624
Other: 1-248-477-4985
Hours: 8 AM -4 PM (Mon-Fri)
Email: info@maifs.org
Website: www.maifs.org
City: Livonia, MI
Minnesota
Asian Women United of Minnesota (AWUM)
Helpline: 612-724-8823
Website: https://www.awum.org/
City: Minneapolis, Minnesota
SEWA-AIFW (Asian Indian Family Wellness)
Hotline: 1-952-912-9100
Hours: 24/7
Website: www.sewa-aifw.org
City: Brooklyn Center, MN
National
Tahirih Justice Center
Helpline: (571) 282 – 6161
Website: https://www.tahirih.org/
New Jersey
Manavi
Hotline: 1-732-435-1414
Hours: 24/7
Website: www.manavi.org
City: New Brunswick, NJ
Wafa houSE
Helpline: 1-800-930-WAFA or 1-800-930-9232
Email: info@wafahouse.org
Website: www.wafahouse.org
City: Clifton, NJ
New York
Asiyah Womens Center
Helpline: 718 833 2425
Website: https://www.
City: New York City, NY
Domestic Harmony Project
Helpline: 1-516-385-8292
Website: www.dhfny.org
City: Hicksville, NY
Jahajee Sisters
Helpline: Call/Text 1-347-201-4931
Hours: Mon- Fri 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST *NOTE: Does not provide crisis support
Email: jahajeesisters@gmail.com
Website: www.jahajeesisters.org/
City: New York, NY
Laal nyc
Helpline: 347-501-3027
Hours: Not 24/7 *NOTE: Does not provide crisis support
Email: info@laalnyc.org
Website: www.laalnyc.org/
City: Bronx, NY
Saathi of Rochester
P.O. Box 92
East Rochester, NY 14445
Office (585) 234 1050
Email: saathi_rochester@yahoo.com
Website: www.
South Asian Women Project
Helpline: 646-893-9938
Website: https://www.
City: New York City, NY
Sakhi for South Asian women
Helpline: Call 1 -212-868-6741/Text 1 -305-204-1809
Hours: Mon- Fri 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM EST
Email: advocate@sakhi.org
Website: www.sakhi.org
City: New York, NY
South Queens Women’s March
Helpline: NA
Hours: *NOTE: Does not provide crisis support
Email: southqueenswomensmarch@gmail.
Website: www.southqueenswomensmarch.org
City: Queens, NY
Saathi
Helpline: (585)-234-1050
Hours: Not 24/7
Email: saathi_rochester@yahoo.com
Website: saathiofrochester.org
City: East Rochester, NY
Turning point for women & families
Helpline: 1-718-262-8722
Hours: Mon- Fri 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM EST
Email: info@tpny.org
Website: www.tpny.org
City: Flushing, NY
WomanKind
Helpline: 1-888-888-7702
Website: https://www.iamwomankind.org/
City: New York City, NY
North Carolina
KIRAN, inc.
Hotline: 1-877-NC-KIRAN or 1-877-625-4726
Hours: 24/7
Website: www.kiraninc.org
City: Raleigh, NC
Ohio
ASHA- Ray of Hope
Helpline: 1-614-565-2918
Hours: 24/7
Website: www.asharayofhope.org
City: Columbus, OH
Texas
Asians Against Domestic Abuse (AADA)
Helpline: 1-713-339-8300
Hours: Not 24/7
Website: www.aadainc.org
City: Houston, TX
Asian Family Support Services of Austin (AFSSA)
Helpline: 1-877-281-8371
Hours: 24/7
Website: www.afssaustin.org/
City: Austin, TX
awaaz
Helpline: 1-210-446-6464
Hours: Not 24/7 *NOTE: Calls are not answered directly, advocates call back within 24 hours.
Website: www.awaazsa.org
City: San Antonio, TX
Chetna
Helpline: 1-888-9CHETNA or 1-888-24-3862
Hours: Mon- Fri 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM CST
Email: chetna@chetna-dfw.org
Website: www.chetna-dfw.org
City: Dallas-Fort Worth area, TX
Daya houston
Helpline: 1-713-981-7645
Hours: Mon- Fri 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM CST
Website: www.dayahouston.org
City: Houston, TX
Mosaic Family Services
Helpline: 214-821-5393
Website: https://mosaicservices.org/
City: Dallas, Texas
Texas Muslim’s Womens Foundation
Hotline: Call/Text 1-972-880-4192
Hours: 24/7 (*WhatsApp available Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM CST)
Website: www.tmwf.org
City: Plano, TX
Washington
API Chaya
Helpline: 1-206-325-0325
Hours: Mon- Fri 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM CST
Website: www.apichaya.org
City: Seattle, WA
Washington D.C.
Domestic Violence Resource Project (DVRP)
Helpline: 1-202-833-2233
Hours: Mon- Thur 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM EST, Fri 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM EST
Email: info@dvrp.org
Website: www.dvrp.org
City: Washington D.C.