Get Help

You are not alone,
we are here to help.
Call 1.888.888.7702

If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.

24-Hour Multilingual Helpline: 1.888.888.7702

Calling our 24-hour, free helpline opens the door to all the services of Womankind.

Highly trained helpline advocates can answer general questions about domestic violence, human trafficking, and sexual violence across the lifespan. We speak English, Spanish and 18+ Asian languages and dialects, including Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Tagalog, Hindi, Urdu, Bengali, and Vietnamese.

All Womankind calls are blocked for caller ID. Staff is trained not to disclose any information, including where they are calling from, if someone other than you answers the phone.

Helpline advocates can provide crisis counseling and help develop basic safety plans to use if you are not yet ready to seek help. They can give information about our services including residential, community based programs, and make referrals when appropriate. You only need to disclose as much information as you feel comfortable with at that time. If you are interested in more ongoing counseling or case management support or need further assistance, an advocate can be assigned to work with you long term. If an advocate who speaks your language is not immediately available, we will ask for a safe time and phone number to call you back.

NEW! Chat and Text Helpline

Available Monday-Friday, 10AM - 6PM

Chat with a helpline advocate in English and Chinese by clicking on the icon at the bottom right.

Text Womankind for help in:
English 1.929.207.5907
Chinese 1.929.207.5901

All helpline services are free and confidential.

Safety Plan

There are things that you are already doing on a daily basis to remain safe. Developing plans that are easy to remember and follow in moments of crisis can reduce of being harmed. Safety does not only mean physical safety, it also means feeling comfortable and reducing your anxiety as you experience being unsafe. Through working with an advocate, you can potentially enhance your current safety plan with more resources and support. Below are some ideas to consider when developing your safety plan.
  • Arrange a signal with a neighbor to call police if needed.
  • If you have children and your children are old enough, arrange a secret signal with them to let them know when to run to neighbors or call police.
  • Memorize the number of Womankind’s 24-hour helpline: 1-888-888-7702.
  • Memorize the number and location of your local police precinct.
  • Hide some money. You may need it later on for a phone call, taxi, food, etc.
  • Hide a spare car key and house key.
  • If you have an order of protection, carry a copy with you at all times.
  • If you have custody papers, carry a copy with you at all times.
  • Gather your paperwork. Collect passports, green cards, Social Security cards, birth certificates, marriage certificate, children's immunization records, driver's license, car registration, bank accounts, order of protection, custody papers, documentation of abuse (photos of injuries, medical records) and other important documents.
  • If possible, learn your abuser's Social Security number, date and place of birth, etc. You may need this information later on.
  • Keep a bag packed and well hidden with basic necessities for you and your children.
  • If you have a baby, don't forget to pack diapers and formula.
  • If you leave and have an older child, try to take something the child is attached to such as a favorite toy.
  • If you can, document your abuse. Take photos of injuries, get copies of medical records, and write down each incident.

Technological Safety

As technology continues to change the way we understand the world, it also continues to be misused to abuse, harass, and stalk others. Womankind offers tips and strategies to help survivors learn what to take to enhance our technology safety and privacy.

Cell phone safety tips:

  • Put a passcode on your phone to make it more difficult for someone to get into it.
  • Consider turning off location and Bluetooth if you are not using them.
  • Call your wireless carrier (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint, etc.) to make sure that there are no additional authorized users on your account.
  • Try not to store sensitive information on your phone.
  • Some apps want access to your phone’s location, photos, contacts, or other information. Go through your phone’s privacy settings and limit how much information the app can access.
  • Computer/Laptop/Tablet safety tips:

  • Put a password on your computer or laptop.
  • Avoid clicking on links or opening attachments sent to you by someone you don’t know or someone you think might want to monitor your computer activity.
  • Run anti-virus and anti-spyware software on your computer, and make sure that it automatically updates so you have the latest protection.
  • Be cautious when using a computer that isn’t yours. Log out of accounts and don’t save personal items onto that computer.
  • Online safety tips:

  • Go through your online accounts’ privacy and security settings. Privacy settings can be used to limit who can see your content. Security settings control access to your account.
  • Prevent your information from being shared by not giving it out in the first place.
  • Consider using online sharing platforms (Google Docs or Flickr) to exchange information rather than having it come directly into your email.
  • All the major browsers (Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Apple Safari, etc.) have a “private” view so your online activity isn’t recorded in the web browser history.
  • Delete your website browser history. Some browsers give you the option of deleting specific links or sites and not the entire history.
  • Whenever possible, use a secure Wi-Fi. Also, use “https” in the URL (the address used to locate resources on the Internet) so that your connection is secure and encrypted.
  • Community Offices

    With public addresses and clearly branded windows and doors, our offices are a reminder to those in the community that we are here to help. We welcome anyone and everyone who is in need of support in overcoming violence to visit our offices to learn more about our services and receive immediate assistance. No appointments necessary.

    Emergency Residential Housing (Shelter)

    Womankind’s two emergency residences are more than shelters. With their homelike surroundings and supportive staff, Rose House and Peace House offer solace and comfort to survivors of domestic and sexual violence and their children. With a total of 40 beds, the houses offer shared and private spaces where survivors and their families develop their own individualized healing journey. The staff prioritizes individual and collective comfort and is able to make various, religious, cultural, and physical accommodation as needed. Rose House and Peace House are the only ones licensed by New York State that are culturally and language equipped to serve pan-Asian survivors of domestic and sexual violence for 90 days or more. Continuing care services are available for survivors after they move out.

    What you can expect:

    After you request emergency residential housing, an advocate will conduct an interview to assess the immediate safety concern and the need for services. If you are eligible, we will schedule a screening to further determine eligibility. At the screening, the advocate will explain the confidentiality requirements and responsibilities for moving into a residential house.

    If you have children ages 11 or older, a separate screening will be held for them. Once you have been accepted into the residential program and agree to the requirements, an advocate will work with you to schedule a move-in date based on safety and availability.

    When you enter one of our emergency residential houses, you will find a welcoming, safe, secure living space in a safe neighborhood for you and your family. An Advocate is on site 24 hours to help you, and temporary child care is available during selected hours for important appointments. We offer support services (vocational counseling, case management, legal support etc.) and housing assistance to help with the transition to the community of your choosing.

    Counseling and Case Management

    Womankind has a team of highly qualified advocates who can provide holistic support that includes therapeutic counseling and prompt and professional services designed to facilitate your recovery from trauma. Advocates are trained to support you as you think through your thoughts, feelings, and concerns about the abuse, ways to cope and/or ways to move forward. Advocates consider you to be the expert in your life circumstance; our role will be to guide and provide resources in your native language. Advocates will not tell you what to do, but will help you think through the options and choices you have within your control. They will help you learn how to advocate for yourself so you can eventually navigate these systems on your own. This information is valuable in helping you to know your rights and gain your independence. Meetings can be both in person and over the phone.

    What you can expect:

  • Confidentiality: All information is kept within Womankind and is not shared with anyone outside of this agency without your consent.
  • Safety and Privacy: You and your advocate will meet at an undisclosed location where you can share your story in privacy.
  • Listening and Respect: You are the expert on your situation. Your advocate values what you say, and you will not be judged.
  • Information and Options: Advocates will provide you with information on your rights and the options you have regarding you and your children's safety and well-being. Advocates will not tell you what to do, but will help you think through the options and choices you have within your control.  They will help you learn how to advocate for yourself so you can eventually navigate these systems on your own. This information is valuable in helping you to know your rights and gain your independence.
  • Clarity: Your advocate will help you think through your thoughts, feelings, and concerns in order to help you achieve your goals.
  • Advocacy: Advocates can help you maneuver through the complicated systems that you might have to work with, such as getting financial, housing, medical, police or legal assistance.
  • Accompaniment: Advocates will accompany you on your visits to obtain the services that you choose to receive, and will interpret for you, if necessary.
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