Domestic Violence Resources in Texas
Last updated September 5, 2026
If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic violence in Texas, help is available right now — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) connects callers anywhere in Texas to trained advocates who can help with safety planning, locate nearby shelters, and explain your legal options. You can also text START to 88788 or chat online at thehotline.org if calling isn't safe.
Texas has a network of local family violence centers funded in part through the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and coordinated by the Texas Council on Family Violence (TCFV). These centers offer emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and transitional housing programs across all 254 counties. To find the closest center, call 2-1-1 Texas or visit the TCFV's online shelter locator at tcfv.org.
Leaving an abusive situation often involves immediate practical needs — housing, income, childcare, food, and healthcare. Texas offers several state-administered programs to address these needs. A 2-1-1 Texas call or online chat (211texas.org) is one of the fastest ways to get a personalized list of local programs for which you may qualify, in English or Spanish.
Key programs in Texas
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Free, confidential crisis support 24/7, including safety planning, referrals to Texas shelters and legal resources, and help for survivors with disabilities or those in LGBTQ+ relationships.
How to access: Call 1-800-799-7233 (TTY: 1-800-787-3224), text START to 88788, or chat at thehotline.org. Available in multiple languages.
2-1-1 Texas
Statewide information and referral service that connects Texas residents to local family violence shelters, transitional housing, emergency financial assistance, food pantries, childcare, and more.
How to access: Dial 2-1-1 from any Texas phone (24/7), chat at 211texas.org, or text your ZIP code to 898-211. Interpreters available.
Texas Health and Human Services — SNAP, Medicaid & CHIP
Survivors leaving abusive situations may qualify for SNAP food benefits, Medicaid health coverage, and CHIP for children. Expedited SNAP processing may be available in emergency situations. TANF cash assistance may also help families with children.
How to access: Apply online at YourTexasBenefits.com, call 2-1-1, or visit a local Texas HHS benefits office. Domestic violence survivors can request a confidential address when applying.
Texas Legal Aid (via Texas Legal Services Center & local legal aid offices)
Free civil legal help for low-income survivors, including assistance obtaining a protective order, divorce, child custody, and immigration relief such as a VAWA self-petition or U-Visa. Protective orders in Texas can be filed for free by survivors.
How to access: Call 2-1-1 to find the legal aid organization serving your county, or contact the Texas Legal Services Center hotline at 1-888-988-9996. Many family violence centers also have on-site legal advocates.
HUD Continuum of Care — Emergency & Transitional Housing
Federally funded network of local homeless service providers that includes emergency shelter and transitional housing for domestic violence survivors. Texas has multiple Continuum of Care regions covering urban and rural areas.
How to access: Call 2-1-1 Texas or the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) to be connected to the CoC provider or family violence shelter in your area. The HUD resource locator is also available at hudexchange.info.
Domestic Violence Resources resources for Texas
Teach them to love outreach ministries
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Nationwide24/7 confidential support, safety planning, and local referrals for those affected by relationship abuse.
StrongHearts Native Helpline
NationwideCulturally appropriate domestic and sexual violence support for Native Americans and Alaska Natives.
loveisrespect
NationwideSupport for young people to prevent and end dating abuse. Call, text (LOVEIS to 22522), or chat.