Find an empowerment self-defense teacher
Places to get help + learn more
Find an empowerment self-defense teacher
If you don’t live in the D.C. area, this organization has a list of certified self-defense instructors around the country and the world. Or contact us and we can connect you with groups in your area.
Places to learn more and get help
All of the listings below can help you no matter what happened to you, whether it happened recently, a long time ago, or it is happening now. All can refer you to other resources if they don’t have what you need.
1in6
Online chat and support groups for male survivors of sexual violence.
ASHA for Women
Supports South Asian women who have faced partner abuse and their children.
1-888-417-2742
Asian/Pacific Islander Domestic Violence Resource Project
Services to survivors in many languages.
202-833-2233
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
To report an incident of hate or police misconduct, go to the ACLU site and find the chapter nearest you. ACLU’s site has info on all the know your rights areas, for everything from LGBT high school students to dealing with TSA, to sexual assault in detention, to immigration, to what to do if your rights are violated at a demonstration, and more.
Break the Cycle
Educational programs for teens and parents on healthy relationships, abusive relationships, and your legal rights. They also head up Love is Not Abuse.
help@breakthecycle.org
888-988-TEEN
Council on American-Islamic Relations
Has resources, including Know Your Rights, as well as links to chapters around the country. Can report an incident and they may take legal action on your behalf.
DC Anti-Violence Project
Services + advocacy for LGBTQ+ nonbinary people experiencing hate crimes or partner abuse.
DC Rape Crisis Center
You can call even if the incident happened decades ago and even if you’re not sure it was rape.
202-333-RAPE (7273)
DC Victim Hotline
For people who have been the victim of any kind of crime in DC. Can connect you with Victim Compensation if you need expenses or losses covered.
844-4HELPDC (844-443-5732)
dcvictim.org/chat
Deaf DAWN
Working to end sexual violence, domestic violence, and stalking in the Deaf community. Extensive services for survivors.
hotline@deafdawn.org/ (Mon-Fri, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
202-559-5366 24-hour video phone
Love is respect
Help for you, a friend, or your teen if you’re a parent.
National teen dating abuse hotline
1-866-331-9474
1-866-331-8453 TTY
Text: LOVEIS to 22522
Men Can Stop Rape
Information for men on supporting survivors and healthy masculinity.
Muslims for Progressive Values
Has an extensive list of resources.
National Alliance on Mental Illness
If you (think you might) have a mental illness or if you have a friend or family member who does.
800-950-NAMI
info@nami.org
text NAMI to 741741
National Center for Victims of Crime
Resources on assault, bullying, child sexual abuse, robbery, sexual assault and harassment, stalking, and more.
National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs
Working to end violence and its effects on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and HIV-affected people. Referrals to local organizations and more.
212-714-1141 hotline
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Resources, referrals, and counseling in dozens of languages. Can refer to local groups anywhere in the country.
1-800-799-7233
1-800-787-3224 TTY
Live chat also available.
National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline
1-888-373-7888 or TTY 711
Text “BeFree” to 233733
help@humantraffickinghotline.org
National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN)
Phone and online support and referrals to groups in your area.
1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or chat
National Street Harassment Hotline
Free, 24-7, English y Espanol. You can call if you experience harassment in any public space.
855-897-5910
IM chat: tinyurl.com/theshhotline
The Network la Red
Hotline for LGBT folks, as well as folks in SM/kink and polyamorous communities, who are being abused or have been abused by a partner. In English and Espanol.
617-742-4911
800-832-1901
SafeSisters Circle
Helps Black women in DC who are being abused, especially those in Wards 7 and 8, with legal needs, housing, and support groups.
Sanctuary DMV
Accompaniment to ICE check-ins, immigration hearings, and other contacts with the system. Rapid Response Team shows up when ICE is conducting raids or other enforcement activity.
202-335-1183
Sexual Health Counseling and Referral Hotline
Info and support on birth control, emergency contraception, pregnancy options, sexually transmitted infections including HIV/AIDS, and other aspects of reproductive health.
877-686-5772 x 3
Sex Workers Outreach Project USA
Call for general support, advice, someone to talk to, crisis counseling, referrals, and info about safety and legal rights.
877-776-2004 x 1
Southern Poverty Law Center
www.splcenter.org/reporthate to report a hate incident.
Strong Hearts Native Helpline
In addition to the helpline, the site has many resources for Native American and Alaska Native people experiencing abuse.
1−844-762-8483 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. CST.
Tahirih Justice Center
Works to protect immigrant women and girls seeking fleeing violence, including forced marriage, trafficking, and genital mutilation. Has groups in many cities, including DC.
410-999-1900 or 571-282-6161.
Trans Lifeline
Staffed by transgender people for transgender people.
877-565-8860
