How the Family Violence Prevention and Services Program helps survivors of abuse.
The Family Violence Prevention and Services Program is the primary federal effort that keeps domestic violence shelters, emergency hotlines and advocacy programs operating in every state. It is administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Administration for Children and Families, and it funds more than a thousand local programs that offer shelter, counseling, legal advocacy and safety planning.
One of the goals of FVPSA is to stabilize survivors who have nowhere else to turn because their financial situation has become unsafe or unmanageable. Non-profit organizations and social service agencies oversee the program in your town or county, and the confidential toll free phone number is below.
Emergency housing from FVPSA
Victims, regardless of their income, age, or background can receive housing and other supportive services. Most of the assistance from FVPSA is for women, single moms, and teenagers that faced abuse as well. Some resources are also focused on the children of any victims. For NHPB readers who may fear discrimination or legal consequences, these protections ensure that they can seek help without being turned away or placed at additional risk.
Emergency, safe shelter is often the first service that survivors use. FVPSA helps maintain domestic violence shelters that provide safe housing. People in the housing also get food, transportation assistance and a safe place to stay in the confidential locations for survivors and their children. These shelters operate in cities, suburbs and rural towns, and many exist only because FVPSA covers a portion of their operating costs.
- Another goal of the program is to help people find a safe place to live. Relocation assistance, which can include advice in finding a new, safe affordable apartment or home, and maybe even money to pay a security deposit or first months rent, including section 8 housing vouchers that may be available near you will help people get a safe place.
- For a parent, often a woman, fleeing violence at night with no savings or money accessible, a Family Violence Prevention and Services Program funded shelter may be the only option for immediate safety. The locations will also take kids as well. Once in shelter, advocates help residents apply for rental assistance, work with employers, secure new housing, replace documents and access public benefit programs that can provide financial stability. The organizations can also help people even seek a source of income, home based online jobs that can be done from an alternate location.
Additional social services provided by Family Violence Prevention and Services Program
The program also supports people who do not need shelter but still require help. Survivors can receive counseling, safety planning, court advocacy, and free legal help with protection orders. If needed there are also referrals for medical care and assistance with navigating public benefit systems. These non-residential services are critical for individuals who remain in their homes, who are staying temporarily with friends, or who cannot enter a shelter because of work schedules, school responsibilities or family needs.
- FVPSA ensures these services are available without fees, insurance requirements or income limits. This is especially important for low-income individuals who would otherwise face high legal fees or transportation barriers. The program funds more than a thousand local programs that offer shelter, counseling, legal advocacy and safety planning. Because the needs of survivors are often urgent and tied to money, housing and family stability, FVPSA-funded programs are designed to remove cost barriers and to help survivors start rebuilding their lives immediately.
Financial support can be arranged by some local programs. While once again, the exact amount of assistance will vary by state and center, some of the types of financial assistance that may be provided by the Family Violence Prevention and Services program includes these. Find additional financial help for single mothers who are DV survivors.
- Food and hygiene supplies are given out. Both the parents and their children can receive free meals, perishable items, baby formula and more. Emergency hygiene and personal products, such as school supplies, soaps, shampoos, diapers for infants, and other stuff is given out by the shelters.
- Clothing vouchers for work attire, school clothing, and other critical items is also given out.
Free confidential hotline for domestic and family violence
If you, or someone you know is the victim of or is currently experiencing domestic violence, dial the National Domestic Violence Hotline. As a major part of FVPSA funding supports the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Anyone can call 1-800-799-7233, text START to 88788 or use the chat tool at https://www.thehotline.org to speak with an advocate at any time.
Hotline staff help callers find local shelter openings, understand legal options and create safety plans that match their circumstances. The hotline is the least risky first step, as it does not require traveling, spending money or alerting an abuser. The hotline also helps people who are unsure whether what they are experiencing is abuse but who need guidance on next step.
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