Are you being hurt by someone close to you? You are not alone. Whether you want to leave, or just want someone to talk to,
help is available.
On this page you will find information on calling the MN Domestic Violence Crisis Line and on Going to Shelter.
You can also contact us by completing this form or e-mailing safety@dayoneservices.org. Any information you submit will be read by a trained advocate, and you will receive an answer within the next twenty-four hours. However, if you are concerned that someone may be monitoring your computer use, please write from a safer computer (like a computer at a public library), or call the Day One® MN Domestic Violence Crisis Line at 1.866.223.1111 from a land line. For more information on computer safety, click here.
If you are being hurt emotionally, physically, or sexually by someone close to you, help is available. Read on for more information. If you know or suspect that someone in your life is being abused, click here for ways to help.
What to Expect If You Call the
MN Domestic Violence Crisis Line
- A caring listening ear: Your call will be answered by an advocate in your area who will listen, and help you sort out your options.
- The option to make your own choices about involving law enforcement: Calling the crisis line is not the same as calling the police. No one will call the police without your permission unless they believe that you are in immediate physical danger and cannot make the call yourself.
- Advocacy Services: Most programs have specially trained advocates that can help with welfare, child protection, disability services, immigration, housing, employment and more.
- The option to go to a safe place: You will be offered a safe place to stay, and transportation to get there if you need it.
- Crisis services: Most programs offer 24-hour crisis services.
- A connection to other resources: Many programs offer...
- Support groups -- For children, youth, and/or adults
- Transitional Housing -- Some programs have longer term housing for survivors.
- Legal Advocacy -- Most programs offer information about Orders for Protection and other civil matters. Most do not provide legal counsel, but can refer you to free or low cost attorneys.
What to Expect If You Go to Shelter or Safe Housing Program
Before entering a shelter or safe housing program, you will talk to an advocate about your situation. If the program does not feel like a good fit for you, the advocate can help you find another safe place.Every shelter and safe housing program is different, but usually you can expect that:
- Shelters and safe housing programs are free: no fees are charged to stay.
- If you have a pet, the program will help you find a safe place for it: Most shelters cannot accommodate pets in their facilities. They will work with you to make arrangements to have your pets cared for elsewhere.
- Transportation: Most programs will provide transportation for you to come to a shelter or safe housing program. Many also offer bus tokens and transportation to appointments for residents of their programs.
- You will arrange your own childcare: You are responsible for taking care of your own children in the program, though childcare may be provided during groups and other activities.
- Children's safety: You will be asked to use positive discipline methods with your child/ren, and advocates will support you in enforcing rules and boundaries. Domestic violence programs are mandated reporters of child abuse.
- Confidentiality: You will be asked to honor the privacy of other program participants by not discussing their names or situations with anyone else. Your information will also be private, and will not be shared with other agencies unless you give your written permission.
- Food, clothing and toiletries: Shelters and safe housing programs will provide basic necessities for you and your family at no cost.
- Laundry facilities: Shelters and safe housing programs usually have laundry facilities and supply linens (sheets, towels and blankets).
- Secret location: Shelters and safe housing programs are concerned about everybody's safety, so you may be asked to keep the location a secret.
- Visitors: Visitors are generally not allowed in the shelter or safe housing program, but you can make arrangements to meet your friends and family elsewhere.
- Allow you to bring your pets.
- Have computers you can use to check your email and access online resources.
- Offer free cell phones for 911 calls only.
- You will share common areas and may be asked to share a bedroom: In most shelters you will share the kitchen, common areas, and bathrooms with other residents who are also experiencing tough times. If you are alone, you may be asked to share a bedroom with another woman or family.
- Your stay will be short-term: Safe housing programs offer short stays, between 3 and 7 days.
- You will have daily contact with an advocate: Throughout your stay, advocates will work closely with you to help find a safe place to move on to. On weekends, you may not see your advocate in person, but someone will always be available by phone if you need support or assistance.
- Options for moving on: If you still need a safe place when your stay at the safe housing program ends, an advocate will assist you to find a longer term shelter and make every effort to provide transportation for you to get there.
When you call a shelter or safe housing program it is okay to ask questions, take your time, and find a program that works best for you and your family.
*Portions of the text on this page were adapted from the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and is used with their permission.
