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Domestic and Gender-Based Violence Support

A woman looking away from a man in the background

No Violence Again (NoVA)

Domestic violence does not have to be physical abuse; it can also be psychological, sexual, emotional, or financial. For families and individuals who are at-risk of homelessness due to such mistreatment, the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) and Human Resources Administration (HRA) provide confidential services to help.

Located onsite at DHS' Prevention Assistance & Temporary Housing (PATH) family intake center, HRA's Project No Violence Again (NoVA) staff addresses the needs of domestic violence victims seeking temporary emergency shelter in the City of New York. Located on the facility's sixth floor, the office has hours seven days per week and provides assessment, placement assistance, crisis information, and referrals to families. NoVA social workers are also stationed in several DHS shelters to provide individual and group counseling, advocacy, referrals, and information to clients affected by domestic violence.

NYC 24-Hour Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-621-HOPE

Survivors of domestic violence may receive temporary housing, emergency shelter, and supportive services for themselves and their children. All programs provide a safe environment as well as counseling, advocacy, and referral services.

Domestic violence and abuse can include:

  • Hitting, slapping, kicking, or using any other kind of physical violence against you
  • Forcing you to have sex when you don't want to or to do sexual things you don't want to do
  • Threatening to hurt you, your children, or someone else you care about or your pet
  • Constantly insulting and criticizing you
  • Stalking, obsessively checking-up on, or otherwise trying to control your behavior

If you or someone you know is experiencing this kind of behavior from a partner, please call New York City's 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline, 1-800-621-HOPE.

Read DSS-HRA-DHS' Emergency Intervention Services: Domestic Violence Brochure.

Help for Victims of Human Trafficking

If you are a victim of human trafficking, you may be eligible for services in New York State that will assist with shelter, food, medical care, protection, and legal assistance. If you are a victim of human trafficking and an immigrant, you may be eligible for services as well as help from the federal government with adjusting your immigration status. If you are a U.S. citizen, or a child of one, or have a qualifying immigration status, you may be eligible for public assistance benefits. Learn more about NYS OTDA Assistance for Victims of Human Trafficking. 

OTDA funds providers in New York State that will help victims of human trafficking become secure, independent individuals. View a list of NYC Metro Area providers at New York State Human Trafficking Providers. Anyone who suspects they may be a victim or a witness to human trafficking is encouraged to call the Human Trafficking Resource Center at 1-888-373-7888, which will help with locating resources within your community. You can also text “HELP” to 233733 (BeFree).

Resources for Survivors of Sexual Violence

DSS-HRA-DHS has zero-tolerance for sexual violence. If you have experienced sexual violence, including assault and harassment, at any location where HRA or DHS services are provided, help is available. Please see the resources below.

View the Resources for Survivors of Sexual Assault and Harassment Flyer (FLY-1080) in:

Other Contact Numbers

Teen Relationship Abuse Prevention Program (RAPP)

This school-based program is one of the most extensive domestic violence prevention programs in New York City, and is critical to ending relationship abuse among young people. Since 1999, HRA's RAPP has helped public high school and middle school students develop healthier relationships. Social workers (MSW) deliver an innovative array of relationship abuse services through four components: prevention classes, intervention counseling, staff development and training, and community outreach. Through a comprehensive curriculum, students learn to recognize and change destructive patterns of behavior before transitioning into adult relationships. RAPP fosters a climate that discourages abusive behavior in all of its forms—promoting a safe and productive learning environment for students and staff.

RAPP Partners

More Resources

Find information on other city resources from the Mayor's Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence.