Call the hotline if you have been abused or assaulted or anytime you feel uncomfortable, worried or afraid. The hotline is staffed 24 hours a day, every day of the year. The call is free and will not appear on your telephone bill. You do not have to leave your relationship in order to get help and your are not required to press charges against your offender. The police are NOT notified by Independence House unless you request it. Independence House can arrange for emergency safe shelter for you and your family, as well as police protection and medical care. We can arrange to get you to a hospital and meet you there to help you access the medical and legal help you need. All services are free and confidential.

• Your life is worth it
• You are not alone
• You have somewhere to go
• You have choices
• Don't underestimate the danger
• Call the hospital or police if it does not jeopardize your safety

If you have been sexually assaulted and you think you may report the assault:

• Don't bathe or change clothes; don't eat or drink
• Have a medical exam in a hospital emergency room within 48 hours
• Don't rearrange the scene of the assault; try to remember details and write them down

Independence House offers:

• Crisis Intervention & 24 hour hot line
• Safe Homes
• Domestic Violence Shelter Placement Assistance for adults and children
• Child/Teen Services for dating violence and sexual assault
• Child Care
• Court and Housing Advocacy
• Housing stabilization
• Support groups/individual counseling for domestic and sexual violence victims