Help for Victims, Family and Friends

Afraid, isolated, confused?

You are not alone.

How do I know if I'm abused?

• Does your partner...? (English)
• ¿Hace su pareja lo siguiente? (En Español) A brief checklist of behaviors in both English and Spanish that can help you identify whether or not you are abused by your partner.

If you or someone you know is being abused. . .

• Domestic Violence: Finding Safety and Support (pdf) (HTML (Web page)
• Violencia Doméstica: Cómo Encontrar Seguridad y Apoyo (pdf) (HTML (página Web)
• Domestic Violence: Finding Safety and Support in:
  • Arabic (pdf)*
  • Chinese pdf)*
  • Russian (pdf)* *If you cannot use a PDF document, please contact opdvpublicinfo@opdv.ny.gov and the same document, in an accessible format, will be provided to you.

A comprehensive guide for both survivors and helpers with up-to-date information about the problem of adult domestic violence, safety planning, and getting help from domestic violence services, the police, and the courts.

• Understanding the Problem
• Getting Safe
• The Police and Courts
• Special Populations
• Friends, Family and Co-workers
• Resources
• Acknowledgment

Don't Do Nothing (Finding Safety and Support: The Video)

The “Don’t Do Nothing” video was designed to raise awareness of domestic violence and to provide ideas and suggestions for safe, appropriate responses by family, friends and co-workers. The video is presented in three short segments: Identifying Abuse, Planning for Safety and Getting Involved, each of which is comprised of dramatization and portrayed testimonials.

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted

• Sexual Assault Examiner (SAE) Programs
  Sexual Assault Examiner Locator Interactive Map. New York's Sexual Assault Examiner (SAE) Programs were established in 1995 to improve the delivery of emergency care to sexual assault victims. While each program follows basic protocols, programs incorporate unique elements as needed by their service area. Sexual assault examiners and rape crisis counselors work together as a team to provide optimal care for sexual assault victims.

• Intimate Partner Sexual Abuse (pdf/printer-friendly)
  This information guide was developed to assist professionals who work with domestic violence victims, in their efforts to address the combined trauma of domestic violence and sexual abuse.

Domestic Violence Handbook (Booklet, English or Spanish)

A self-help guide that explains your legal rights and how to get them from the legal system. Available free of charge from the New York State Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-942-6906, English & español/Multi-language Accessibility. Deaf or Hard of Hearing: 711.

Address Confidentiality

• Address Confidentiality Program
  The New York Department of State has developed a program that will allow domestic violence victims to protect their addresses.