Domestic Violence Resources in Arkansas

Last updated September 5, 2026

If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic violence in Arkansas, help is available right now. The National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week — including text and chat options for situations where a phone call isn't safe. Trained advocates can connect you with local Arkansas shelters, safety planning support, and next steps.

Arkansas has a network of local domestic violence programs and shelters across the state. The fastest way to find the nearest one is to call 2-1-1 Arkansas (dial 2-1-1 or text your ZIP code to 898-211), which connects residents to verified local resources including emergency shelter, transportation help, counseling, and legal advocacy — all at no cost. Many shelter programs serve survivors regardless of immigration status or income.

Leaving an abusive situation often means rebuilding housing, income, and daily stability. Arkansas survivors may qualify for a range of state and federal benefits — including Medicaid, SNAP food assistance, and emergency utility help — to support that transition. The Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) administers many of these programs and can be reached through your local DHS county office or via 2-1-1.

Key programs in Arkansas

National Domestic Violence Hotline

Free, confidential crisis support, safety planning, and referrals to local Arkansas shelters and legal advocates, available 24/7 in multiple languages.

How to access: Call 1-800-799-7233, text START to 88788, or chat online at thehotline.org. No personal information is required to get help.

2-1-1 Arkansas

Connects Arkansas residents to local domestic violence shelters, transitional housing, food pantries, utility assistance, mental health services, childcare, and more — all screened for accuracy.

How to access: Dial 2-1-1 from any phone (free, 24/7), text your ZIP code to 898-211, or search online at ar.211.org. Interpreters are available.

Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) — SNAP, Medicaid & TANF

Provides food assistance (SNAP), health coverage (Medicaid/ARKids First), and cash assistance (TANF) to eligible low-income Arkansas residents, including domestic violence survivors who may qualify under expedited or waived rules.

How to access: Apply online at access.arkansas.gov, visit your local DHS county office, or call the DHS benefits line at 1-855-372-1084. Survivors can ask about domestic violence waivers for certain work requirements.

LIHEAP — Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (Arkansas)

Helps eligible Arkansas households pay heating and cooling bills. Domestic violence survivors in crisis may receive priority or expedited assistance.

How to access: Contact your local Community Action Agency (find yours through 2-1-1 Arkansas or at dhs.arkansas.gov) or call the Arkansas Energy Office. Availability is seasonal, so apply as early as possible.

HUD-Funded Emergency & Transitional Housing (Continuum of Care)

Federally funded emergency shelters and transitional housing programs across Arkansas for survivors fleeing domestic violence, including families with children.

How to access: Call 2-1-1 Arkansas or the National Domestic Violence Hotline to be referred to the nearest HUD-funded shelter or Continuum of Care program in your area. You can also search HUD's resource locator at hud.gov/findshelter.

Domestic Violence Resources resources for Arkansas

National Domestic Violence Hotline

Nationwide

24/7 confidential support, safety planning, and local referrals for those affected by relationship abuse.

1-800-799-7233
Visit

StrongHearts Native Helpline

Nationwide

Culturally appropriate domestic and sexual violence support for Native Americans and Alaska Natives.

1-844-762-8483
Visit

loveisrespect

Nationwide

Support for young people to prevent and end dating abuse. Call, text (LOVEIS to 22522), or chat.

1-866-331-9474
Visit
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