Domestic Violence Resources in Minnesota

Last updated September 6, 2026

If you or someone you care about is experiencing domestic violence in Minnesota, you are not alone and 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 chat at thehotline.org. Trained advocates can help you safety-plan, find local shelter, and understand your options no matter where you are in the state.

Minnesota has a network of local domestic violence programs — from the Twin Cities metro to rural communities — that provide emergency shelter, advocacy, legal help, and transitional housing. The fastest way to find the closest program is to call 2-1-1 Minnesota (dial 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898-211), which connects residents to local shelters, crisis services, and support organizations statewide, any time of day or night.

Survivors in Minnesota may also qualify for a range of benefits that can help with immediate safety, housing stability, food, healthcare, and income. The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) oversees programs like Medical Assistance (Minnesota's Medicaid), SNAP food benefits, and emergency cash assistance — many of which have special provisions or expedited processing for survivors of domestic violence. A local advocate or social worker can help you access these benefits quickly and safely.

Key programs in Minnesota

National Domestic Violence Hotline

Free, confidential 24/7 crisis support, safety planning, and referrals to local shelters and legal resources anywhere in Minnesota.

How to access: Call 1-800-799-7233 (TTY: 1-800-787-3224) or chat online at thehotline.org. No information is required to call.

2-1-1 Minnesota

Statewide helpline and database that connects callers to local domestic violence shelters, transitional housing, emergency financial aid, food resources, and other social services across all Minnesota counties.

How to access: Dial 2-1-1 from any phone, text your zip code to 898-211, or search online at mn.211.org. Available 24/7, multilingual support offered.

Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) — Benefits and Economic Assistance

Administers Medical Assistance (Medicaid), SNAP food benefits, Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) cash assistance, and emergency general assistance. Domestic violence survivors may qualify for expedited processing and waivers of certain requirements.

How to access: Apply online at mnbenefits.mn.gov, visit your county human services office, or call your county directly. A local DV advocate can assist with applications and confidentiality protections.

HUD Continuum of Care — Emergency and Transitional Housing

Federally funded network of local housing providers offering emergency shelter, transitional housing, and rapid rehousing for survivors experiencing homelessness due to domestic violence. Programs exist in each Minnesota region.

How to access: Contact 2-1-1 Minnesota to be connected to your local Continuum of Care provider, or ask a DV advocate to help with referrals and applications, which often require a safety assessment.

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) — Minnesota Department of Health

Provides nutritious foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and healthcare referrals for pregnant women, new mothers, and children under 5. Income-eligible survivors with children often qualify.

How to access: Call the Minnesota WIC program at 1-800-657-3942 or find a local WIC clinic at health.state.mn.us. Confidential address options are available for survivors.

Domestic Violence Resources resources for Minnesota

National Domestic Violence Hotline

Nationwide

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

Visit

StrongHearts Native Helpline

Nationwide

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

Visit

loveisrespect

Nationwide

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

Visit