Domestic Violence Resources in California
Last updated September 7, 2026
If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic violence in California, help is available right now—24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) connects callers to trained advocates who can help with safety planning, local shelter referrals, and next steps regardless of your immigration status, income, or relationship type. You can also text START to 88788 or chat online at thehotline.org if calling isn't safe.
California has one of the most comprehensive networks of domestic violence services in the country, with county-based shelters, legal protections, and public benefit programs specifically designed to help survivors stabilize their lives. Programs like Medi-Cal, CalWORKs, and CalFresh can provide immediate financial and health support, and survivors may qualify for expedited enrollment. Your local county social services agency is often the fastest gateway to these benefits.
Finding the right local resources can feel overwhelming. Calling 2-1-1 (or visiting 211ca.org) is one of the most reliable ways to get connected to county-specific domestic violence shelters, transitional housing, legal aid, and counseling programs across California. Specialists are available around the clock and can assist in multiple languages.
Key programs in California
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Confidential crisis support, safety planning, local shelter referrals, and advocacy for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Available in English, Spanish, and many other languages.
How to access: Call 1-800-799-7233 (TTY: 1-800-787-3224), text START to 88788, or chat at thehotline.org. Available 24/7 at no cost.
2-1-1 California
A statewide helpline that connects callers to county-specific domestic violence shelters, transitional housing, emergency funds, legal aid, counseling, and other social services. Specialists can search by ZIP code to find the closest available resources.
How to access: Dial 2-1-1 from any phone in California, available 24/7, or search online at 211ca.org. Translation services are available.
CalWORKs (California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids)
California's Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program providing cash assistance and support services to low-income families with children. Domestic violence survivors may qualify for special exemptions from work participation requirements and can receive immediate aid while safety concerns are addressed.
How to access: Apply through your county Department of Social Services or Human Services Agency, or online at BenefitsCal.gov. Inform the caseworker of your domestic violence situation to access the Domestic Violence Option, which offers additional protections and waivers.
Medi-Cal (California's Medicaid Program)
Free or low-cost health coverage for income-eligible California residents, including physical health care, mental health services, and substance use treatment. Survivors may use Medi-Cal to cover emergency care, counseling, and reproductive health services without involving an abuser who is on the same insurance plan.
How to access: Apply online at CoveredCA.com or BenefitsCal.gov, call 1-800-300-1506, or visit your local county social services office. Expedited processing is available for urgent situations.
HUD Continuum of Care / Emergency Shelter & Transitional Housing
HUD funds a network of Continuums of Care (CoC) across California that include emergency shelter and transitional housing programs specifically serving domestic violence survivors. These programs can provide a safe place to stay, case management, and help moving toward permanent housing.
How to access: Contact 2-1-1 for the nearest HUD-funded domestic violence shelter in your county, or ask your local domestic violence organization to connect you with their transitional housing program. The National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) can also identify shelter availability.
Domestic Violence Resources resources for California
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.
Other resources in California
- Housing Assistance in California
- Food Assistance in California
- Utility Assistance in California
- Transportation Assistance in California
- Funeral & End-of-Life Assistance in California
- Mental Health Resources in California
- Disability Resources in California
- Veteran Resources in California
- Child & Family Assistance in California
- Senior Resources in California