In danger right now? Call 911. Not safe at home? Call 1-800-33-HAVEN (1-800-334-2836), any time. Thinking about suicide? Call or text 988.
✓ Checked by Hettie: she called or visited ⚠ Confirm before you go: call first
Domestic violence
Georgia domestic violence hotline
Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence · All of Georgia
Free · Private
Free, private help any time. They can help you find a safe place to stay.
How to get it · Call 1-800-33-HAVEN (1-800-334-2836).
Free, private help any time. They can help you find a safe place to stay.
How to get it · Call 1-800-33-HAVEN (1-800-334-2836).
National Domestic Violence Hotline
National Domestic Violence Hotline · Nationwide
Free · Private
Free, private help any time if someone close to you hurts, scares, or controls you. Get help making a safety plan and finding local shelter.
How to get it · Call 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788, any time. You can also chat at thehotline.org. If you are in danger now, call 911.
Free, private help any time if someone close to you hurts, scares, or controls you. Get help making a safety plan and finding local shelter.
How to get it · Call 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788, any time. You can also chat at thehotline.org. If you are in danger now, call 911.
Partnership Against Domestic Violence (PADV)
Partnership Against Domestic Violence · Metro Atlanta
Free · Private
24-hour crisis line for domestic violence. Get a safety plan, a safe place to stay, counseling, support groups, and legal help.
How to get it · Call 404-873-1766 any time, day or night. TTY callers can use the same number. If you are in danger now, call 911.
Who it’s for · Serves the City of Atlanta, Fulton County, and Gwinnett County. Women, men, and children can get help.
24-hour crisis line for domestic violence. Get a safety plan, a safe place to stay, counseling, support groups, and legal help.
How to get it · Call 404-873-1766 any time, day or night. TTY callers can use the same number. If you are in danger now, call 911.
Who it’s for · Serves the City of Atlanta, Fulton County, and Gwinnett County. Women, men, and children can get help.
In Safe Company (formerly Women’s Resource Center)
In Safe Company · DeKalb County
Free · Private
24/7 hotlines for domestic violence and sexual assault. A safe house, advocates, legal help, counseling, and free support groups.
How to get it · Domestic violence: call 404-688-9436 any time. Sexual assault: call 404-377-1428 any time. If you are in danger now, call 911.
24/7 hotlines for domestic violence and sexual assault. A safe house, advocates, legal help, counseling, and free support groups.
How to get it · Domestic violence: call 404-688-9436 any time. Sexual assault: call 404-377-1428 any time. If you are in danger now, call 911.
liveSAFE Resources (Cobb) 24-hour crisis line and shelter
liveSAFE Resources · Cobb County
Free · Private
Cobb County’s domestic violence and sexual assault center (formerly the YWCA). Emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, protective orders, Latino outreach, elder abuse help.
How to get it · Call the 24-hour crisis line at 770-427-3390. Office: 48 Henderson St, Marietta, 770-427-2902. Free forensic exams and advocacy after sexual assault, 24/7, for Cobb, Paulding and Cherokee.
Who it’s for · Women, men and children affected by domestic violence, sexual assault or elder abuse, regardless of sexual orientation, gender, religion, race or ethnicity.
Cobb County’s domestic violence and sexual assault center (formerly the YWCA). Emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, protective orders, Latino outreach, elder abuse help.
How to get it · Call the 24-hour crisis line at 770-427-3390. Office: 48 Henderson St, Marietta, 770-427-2902. Free forensic exams and advocacy after sexual assault, 24/7, for Cobb, Paulding and Cherokee.
Who it’s for · Women, men and children affected by domestic violence, sexual assault or elder abuse, regardless of sexual orientation, gender, religion, race or ethnicity.
Securus House
Securus House · Clayton County
Free · Private
24-hour crisis line for domestic violence in Clayton County. Emergency shelter for women and children, legal help, and support.
How to get it · Call 770-961-7233 any time, day or night. If you are in danger now, call 911.
Who it’s for · Serves Clayton County and nearby metro Atlanta areas. The shelter is for women and their children.
24-hour crisis line for domestic violence in Clayton County. Emergency shelter for women and children, legal help, and support.
How to get it · Call 770-961-7233 any time, day or night. If you are in danger now, call 911.
Who it’s for · Serves Clayton County and nearby metro Atlanta areas. The shelter is for women and their children.
Ahimsa House: a safe place for your pet while you leave
Ahimsa House · All of Georgia
Free · Private
Leaving an abusive home and can’t take your pet? Ahimsa House shelters and cares for the pet for up to 60 days, with food, supplies and vet care, so you can get to safety.
How to get it · Call the 24-hour crisis line at 404-452-6248. The pet’s location stays confidential. In danger call 911 or the Georgia DV hotline, 1-800-334-2836.
Who it’s for · Victims of domestic violence anywhere in Georgia who need help with a pet.
Leaving an abusive home and can’t take your pet? Ahimsa House shelters and cares for the pet for up to 60 days, with food, supplies and vet care, so you can get to safety.
How to get it · Call the 24-hour crisis line at 404-452-6248. The pet’s location stays confidential. In danger call 911 or the Georgia DV hotline, 1-800-334-2836.
Who it’s for · Victims of domestic violence anywhere in Georgia who need help with a pet.
Fulton protective order (TPO): free to file, free lawyer
Fulton Superior Court; Safe Families Office (AVLF, PADV) · Fulton County
Free · Private
There is no fee to file for a Temporary Protective Order in Fulton County. The Safe Families Office in the courthouse helps with the paperwork, does a safety check, walks you through the process and gives you a court advocate or lawyer for TPO hearings at no cost.
How to get it · Go in person to the Family Division, 136 Pryor Street SW, 8th Floor, Atlanta, GA 30303; TPOs must be filed in person. Safe Families Office referrals are 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday to Friday; arrive close to 9 a.m. to finish the same day. Safe Families Office 404-612-4324; Family Division 404-612-0505 for the daily ex parte hearing schedule. In danger now, call 911.
Who it’s for · Adults 18 and older who are victims of family violence, dating violence or stalking; a parent or adult files for anyone under 18. Safe Families serves survivors of intimate partner violence, elder abuse and child abuse and has its own qualification process.
There is no fee to file for a Temporary Protective Order in Fulton County. The Safe Families Office in the courthouse helps with the paperwork, does a safety check, walks you through the process and gives you a court advocate or lawyer for TPO hearings at no cost.
How to get it · Go in person to the Family Division, 136 Pryor Street SW, 8th Floor, Atlanta, GA 30303; TPOs must be filed in person. Safe Families Office referrals are 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday to Friday; arrive close to 9 a.m. to finish the same day. Safe Families Office 404-612-4324; Family Division 404-612-0505 for the daily ex parte hearing schedule. In danger now, call 911.
Who it’s for · Adults 18 and older who are victims of family violence, dating violence or stalking; a parent or adult files for anyone under 18. Safe Families serves survivors of intimate partner violence, elder abuse and child abuse and has its own qualification process.
Help in your language
Raksha: help for South Asian survivors
Raksha · All of Georgia
Free · Private
Confidential help for South Asian survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and other crimes: advocates, therapy, legal help and referrals in Hindi, Urdu, Tamil and more
How to get it · Call the helpline at 404-876-0670 or 1-866-725-7423, Mon-Fri 9am-5pm. Not a 24-hour hotline; in danger call 911. Under 18? Call with a trusted adult. After hours use the Georgia DV hotline 1-800-334-2836.
Who it’s for · Women, men and children, open to all survivors; rooted in Georgia’s South Asian community. Therapists speak Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi, Arabic and English; interpreters for other languages.
Confidential help for South Asian survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and other crimes: advocates, therapy, legal help and referrals in Hindi, Urdu, Tamil and more
How to get it · Call the helpline at 404-876-0670 or 1-866-725-7423, Mon-Fri 9am-5pm. Not a 24-hour hotline; in danger call 911. Under 18? Call with a trusted adult. After hours use the Georgia DV hotline 1-800-334-2836.
Who it’s for · Women, men and children, open to all survivors; rooted in Georgia’s South Asian community. Therapists speak Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi, Arabic and English; interpreters for other languages.
Tapestri: immigrant and refugee survivors
Tapestri · Metro Atlanta
Free · Private
Help for immigrant and refugee women, men and children who survived domestic violence, sexual abuse or trafficking. Advocacy, counseling, legal/immigration help, shelter referrals.
How to get it · Domestic violence: call 404-299-2185. Human trafficking: call 1-866-317-3733 or 404-299-0895. Tapestri is not a shelter but can refer you to one. In danger call 911.
Who it’s for · Foreign-born survivors of any status. Tapestri is also option 4 on Georgia’s human trafficking hotline, 1-866-363-4842.
Help for immigrant and refugee women, men and children who survived domestic violence, sexual abuse or trafficking. Advocacy, counseling, legal/immigration help, shelter referrals.
How to get it · Domestic violence: call 404-299-2185. Human trafficking: call 1-866-317-3733 or 404-299-0895. Tapestri is not a shelter but can refer you to one. In danger call 911.
Who it’s for · Foreign-born survivors of any status. Tapestri is also option 4 on Georgia’s human trafficking hotline, 1-866-363-4842.
International Women’s House shelter and 24-hour line
International Women’s House · DeKalb County
Free · Private
Safe shelter and support for women and children escaping domestic violence, sexual abuse or trafficking, with translation in 140 languages. You can get help without staying there.
How to get it · Call the 24-hour hotline at 770-413-5557 to speak with a trained advocate. Based in Decatur (DeKalb County); the shelter address is confidential. In immediate danger call 911.
Who it’s for · Women and children who are victims of family violence, sexual abuse or human trafficking. Services include legal advocacy, counseling, a children’s program and help with SNAP and Medicaid.
Safe shelter and support for women and children escaping domestic violence, sexual abuse or trafficking, with translation in 140 languages. You can get help without staying there.
How to get it · Call the 24-hour hotline at 770-413-5557 to speak with a trained advocate. Based in Decatur (DeKalb County); the shelter address is confidential. In immediate danger call 911.
Who it’s for · Women and children who are victims of family violence, sexual abuse or human trafficking. Services include legal advocacy, counseling, a children’s program and help with SNAP and Medicaid.
Sexual assault
Grady SAFE & Rape Crisis Center
Grady Health System · Metro Atlanta
Free · Private
24/7 help after sexual assault: a crisis line, exams by forensic nurses, support at the hospital, counseling, and legal help.
How to get it · Call 404-616-4861 any time to reach the crisis team. If you are hurt or in danger now, call 911.
Who it’s for · For anyone affected by sexual violence, no matter your gender identity or legal status.
24/7 help after sexual assault: a crisis line, exams by forensic nurses, support at the hospital, counseling, and legal help.
How to get it · Call 404-616-4861 any time to reach the crisis team. If you are hurt or in danger now, call 911.
Who it’s for · For anyone affected by sexual violence, no matter your gender identity or legal status.
National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN)
RAINN · Nationwide
Free · Private
Support by phone any time after sexual assault or abuse. They can connect you with help near you.
How to get it · Call 1-800-656-4673 any time. You can also chat online at rainn.org. If you are in danger now, call 911.
Support by phone any time after sexual assault or abuse. They can connect you with help near you.
How to get it · Call 1-800-656-4673 any time. You can also chat online at rainn.org. If you are in danger now, call 911.
Human trafficking
Georgia Human Trafficking Hotline
State of Georgia (CJCC) · All of Georgia
Free · Private
Georgia’s 24-hour, toll-free hotline if you are trafficked for sex or work, or see signs of it. Anonymous, in Spanish and 170 languages. Connects you to police, advocates or safety
How to get it · Call 1-866-ENDHTGA (1-866-363-4842) any time. Press 1 to report to the GBI; 2 for a child victim (DFCS); 3 for an adult victim advocate; 4 for Tapestri (foreign-born victims); 5 for a safe place for youth 12-17. In danger call 911.
Who it’s for · Victims, survivors, family, and anyone who suspects trafficking in Georgia.
Georgia’s 24-hour, toll-free hotline if you are trafficked for sex or work, or see signs of it. Anonymous, in Spanish and 170 languages. Connects you to police, advocates or safety
How to get it · Call 1-866-ENDHTGA (1-866-363-4842) any time. Press 1 to report to the GBI; 2 for a child victim (DFCS); 3 for an adult victim advocate; 4 for Tapestri (foreign-born victims); 5 for a safe place for youth 12-17. In danger call 911.
Who it’s for · Victims, survivors, family, and anyone who suspects trafficking in Georgia.
National Human Trafficking Hotline
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services · Nationwide
Free · Private
Help any time if you are forced or tricked into work or sex, or you think it’s happening to someone else. Calls are confidential.
How to get it · Call 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733, any time. You can also chat online. If you are in danger now, call 911.
Help any time if you are forced or tricked into work or sex, or you think it’s happening to someone else. Calls are confidential.
How to get it · Call 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733, any time. You can also chat online. If you are in danger now, call 911.
Out of Darkness 24/7 rescue hotline (Frontline Response)
Frontline Response · Metro Atlanta
Free · Private
A 24-hour hotline for adult women being sold for sex or exploited. A team can pick you up any time and bring you to a safe home, then a long-term program at no cost to you.
How to get it · Call 404-941-6024, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can call just to talk about your situation and learn about resources.
Who it’s for · Adult victims of sex trafficking or commercial sexual exploitation; the safe home is for women over 18.
A 24-hour hotline for adult women being sold for sex or exploited. A team can pick you up any time and bring you to a safe home, then a long-term program at no cost to you.
How to get it · Call 404-941-6024, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can call just to talk about your situation and learn about resources.
Who it’s for · Adult victims of sex trafficking or commercial sexual exploitation; the safe home is for women over 18.
Georgia Cares 24-hour line: child sex trafficking
Georgia Cares · All of Georgia
Free · Private
Georgia’s statewide agency for children and teens who have been sex trafficked or exploited. Call any time to get a child connected to care and support.
How to get it · Call 1-844-8GA-DMST (1-844-842-3678), 24 hours a day. Parents, youth and professionals can call. You can also use the Refer a Youth form at gacares.org. Report abuse to DFCS at 1-855-422-4453.
Who it’s for · Children and teens in Georgia who are victims of sex trafficking or exploitation, and the adults who care about them.
Georgia’s statewide agency for children and teens who have been sex trafficked or exploited. Call any time to get a child connected to care and support.
How to get it · Call 1-844-8GA-DMST (1-844-842-3678), 24 hours a day. Parents, youth and professionals can call. You can also use the Refer a Youth form at gacares.org. Report abuse to DFCS at 1-855-422-4453.
Who it’s for · Children and teens in Georgia who are victims of sex trafficking or exploitation, and the adults who care about them.
Wellspring Living: safe housing after trafficking
Wellspring Living · Metro Atlanta
Free · Private
Housing, therapy, school and job help for women and girls recovering from sex trafficking. The Receiving Hope Center takes in trafficked youth 12 to 17; programs for women 18+.
How to get it · Youth 12-17: call 470-467-3669. Women’s Residential Program: 404-427-3100. Women’s Academy (day program): 404-374-5257. General: 404-948-4673. Or call the Georgia trafficking hotline, 1-866-363-4842, press 5 for the youth center.
Who it’s for · Girls 12-17 and women 18+ who have been sex trafficked or exploited.
Housing, therapy, school and job help for women and girls recovering from sex trafficking. The Receiving Hope Center takes in trafficked youth 12 to 17; programs for women 18+.
How to get it · Youth 12-17: call 470-467-3669. Women’s Residential Program: 404-427-3100. Women’s Academy (day program): 404-374-5257. General: 404-948-4673. Or call the Georgia trafficking hotline, 1-866-363-4842, press 5 for the youth center.
Who it’s for · Girls 12-17 and women 18+ who have been sex trafficked or exploited.
Street Grace hotline: 1-833-FREE-2-BE
Street Grace · All of Georgia
Free · Private
A toll-free line to call if you are being exploited or know someone who is, from an Atlanta group that fights child sex trafficking.
How to get it · Call 1-833-FREE-2-BE (1-833-373-3223). You can also call the National Human Trafficking Hotline, 1-888-373-7888, or Georgia’s line, 1-866-363-4842.
Who it’s for · Anyone being exploited or worried about a child or teen.
A toll-free line to call if you are being exploited or know someone who is, from an Atlanta group that fights child sex trafficking.
How to get it · Call 1-833-FREE-2-BE (1-833-373-3223). You can also call the National Human Trafficking Hotline, 1-888-373-7888, or Georgia’s line, 1-866-363-4842.
Who it’s for · Anyone being exploited or worried about a child or teen.
Child abuse
Report child abuse to Georgia DFCS
State of Georgia (DFCS) · All of Georgia
Free · Private
Report child abuse or neglect to Georgia Child Protective Services. They take reports 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
How to get it · Call 1-855-422-4453 (1-855-GACHILD) any time. If a child is in danger right now, call 911 or your local police.
Report child abuse or neglect to Georgia Child Protective Services. They take reports 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
How to get it · Call 1-855-422-4453 (1-855-GACHILD) any time. If a child is in danger right now, call 911 or your local police.
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline
Childhelp · Nationwide
Free · Private
Talk with a counselor any time if you’re worried about child abuse, for yourself or a child you know. They won’t ask for names.
How to get it · Call 1-800-422-4453 or text GO to the same number, any time. You can also chat online. They don’t take reports; to report, call DFCS.
Talk with a counselor any time if you’re worried about child abuse, for yourself or a child you know. They won’t ask for names.
How to get it · Call 1-800-422-4453 or text GO to the same number, any time. You can also chat online. They don’t take reports; to report, call DFCS.
Elder abuse
Report elder abuse: Georgia Adult Protective Services
State of Georgia (Aging Services) · All of Georgia
Free · Private
Report abuse, neglect or someone taking money from an older adult or an adult with a disability who lives at home. The state checks on the person and connects them to help.
How to get it · Call 1-866-55AGING (1-866-552-4464) and press 3, Mon-Fri 8am-7pm. Or report online 24/7 at aging.georgia.gov. If you leave a voicemail or file online and don’t hear back in 48 hours, call again. In danger call 911.
Who it’s for · Anyone can report. APS covers elder persons and adults with disabilities. For someone in a nursing home or personal care home, call the Dept. of Community Health at 1-800-878-6442 instead.
Report abuse, neglect or someone taking money from an older adult or an adult with a disability who lives at home. The state checks on the person and connects them to help.
How to get it · Call 1-866-55AGING (1-866-552-4464) and press 3, Mon-Fri 8am-7pm. Or report online 24/7 at aging.georgia.gov. If you leave a voicemail or file online and don’t hear back in 48 hours, call again. In danger call 911.
Who it’s for · Anyone can report. APS covers elder persons and adults with disabilities. For someone in a nursing home or personal care home, call the Dept. of Community Health at 1-800-878-6442 instead.
WHAT TO BRING
✓ The person’s name, address and what you saw
WHAT TO BRING
✓ The person’s name, address and what you saw
Long-Term Care Ombudsman: problems in a nursing home
State of Georgia · All of Georgia
Free · Private
An ombudsman speaks up for people living in nursing homes, personal care homes and similar places. They help fix problems with care or rights, with the resident’s permission.
How to get it · Call 1-866-552-4464 and ask for the ombudsman, or find your local ombudsman by county at georgiaombudsman.org. To report abuse in a facility, call the Dept. of Community Health at 1-800-878-6442.
Who it’s for · Residents of long-term care facilities in Georgia, their families and friends.
An ombudsman speaks up for people living in nursing homes, personal care homes and similar places. They help fix problems with care or rights, with the resident’s permission.
How to get it · Call 1-866-552-4464 and ask for the ombudsman, or find your local ombudsman by county at georgiaombudsman.org. To report abuse in a facility, call the Dept. of Community Health at 1-800-878-6442.
Who it’s for · Residents of long-term care facilities in Georgia, their families and friends.
Eldercare Locator: find help for an older adult
U.S. government (ACL) · Nationwide
Free · Private
A national line that connects older adults and caregivers to local services like meals, rides, in-home help, caregiver support and elder abuse resources.
How to get it · Call or text 1-800-677-1116, or search by ZIP code at eldercare.acl.gov. In metro Atlanta you can also call Empowerline at 404-463-3333.
Who it’s for · Older adults, their families and caregivers anywhere in the U.S.
A national line that connects older adults and caregivers to local services like meals, rides, in-home help, caregiver support and elder abuse resources.
How to get it · Call or text 1-800-677-1116, or search by ZIP code at eldercare.acl.gov. In metro Atlanta you can also call Empowerline at 404-463-3333.
Who it’s for · Older adults, their families and caregivers anywhere in the U.S.
Crisis and suicide
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
988 Lifeline · Nationwide
Free · Private
Free, private support any time if you’re thinking about suicide or in a mental health crisis.
How to get it · Call or text 988, any time.
Free, private support any time if you’re thinking about suicide or in a mental health crisis.
How to get it · Call or text 988, any time.
Georgia Crisis and Access Line (GCAL)
State of Georgia · All of Georgia
Free · Private
Help any time in a mental health, drug, or alcohol crisis. They can talk with you, send a crisis team, or find a bed or quick appointment.
How to get it · Call 1-800-715-4225 any time, day or night. If someone is in danger right now, call 911.
Help any time in a mental health, drug, or alcohol crisis. They can talk with you, send a crisis team, or find a bed or quick appointment.
How to get it · Call 1-800-715-4225 any time, day or night. If someone is in danger right now, call 911.
Crisis Text Line
Crisis Text Line · Nationwide
Free · Private
Free, private texting with a trained volunteer counselor, any time. For stress, abuse, self-harm, or thoughts of suicide.
How to get it · Text HOME to 741741 any time. You can also reach them on WhatsApp from their website. Message and data rates may apply.
Free, private texting with a trained volunteer counselor, any time. For stress, abuse, self-harm, or thoughts of suicide.
How to get it · Text HOME to 741741 any time. You can also reach them on WhatsApp from their website. Message and data rates may apply.
Veterans Crisis Line
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) · Nationwide
Free · Private
Free, private, 24/7 help for veterans, service members and the people who care about them. You do not need to be signed up for VA benefits or health care.
How to get it · Dial 988 then press 1. Or text 838255. Or chat at veteranscrisisline.net.
Who it’s for · Veterans, service members, Guard and Reserve members, and their family and friends.
Free, private, 24/7 help for veterans, service members and the people who care about them. You do not need to be signed up for VA benefits or health care.
How to get it · Dial 988 then press 1. Or text 838255. Or chat at veteranscrisisline.net.
Who it’s for · Veterans, service members, Guard and Reserve members, and their family and friends.
The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ young people)
The Trevor Project · Nationwide
Free · Private
Free, private crisis support for LGBTQ+ young people, 24 hours a day, by phone, text or chat.
How to get it · Call 1-866-488-7386. Text START to 678-678. Chat at thetrevorproject.org/get-help. TTY 1-866-803-3699.
Who it’s for · LGBTQ+ young people who need to talk, in crisis or not.
Free, private crisis support for LGBTQ+ young people, 24 hours a day, by phone, text or chat.
How to get it · Call 1-866-488-7386. Text START to 678-678. Chat at thetrevorproject.org/get-help. TTY 1-866-803-3699.
Who it’s for · LGBTQ+ young people who need to talk, in crisis or not.
Trans Lifeline peer support hotline
Trans Lifeline · Nationwide
Free · Private
A hotline run by trans people for trans and questioning people. You don’t have to be in crisis to call. They will not call police or emergency services unless you ask.
How to get it · Call 1-877-565-8860, Monday to Friday, 1pm to 9pm Eastern. Call volume can mean a wait.
Who it’s for · Trans, nonbinary and questioning people, and loved ones with questions.
A hotline run by trans people for trans and questioning people. You don’t have to be in crisis to call. They will not call police or emergency services unless you ask.
How to get it · Call 1-877-565-8860, Monday to Friday, 1pm to 9pm Eastern. Call volume can mean a wait.
Who it’s for · Trans, nonbinary and questioning people, and loved ones with questions.
Teen Line: teens helping teens, every night
Teen Line · Nationwide
Free · Private
A free line where trained teen volunteers listen to other teens about anything: stress, family, bullying, sadness, relationships. Every night, by call or text.
How to get it · Call 1-800-852-8336 from 9pm to 1am Eastern (6-10pm Pacific). Text TEEN to 839863 from 9pm to midnight Eastern (6-9pm Pacific). Any other time, call or text 988.
Who it’s for · Young people up to age 19.
A free line where trained teen volunteers listen to other teens about anything: stress, family, bullying, sadness, relationships. Every night, by call or text.
How to get it · Call 1-800-852-8336 from 9pm to 1am Eastern (6-10pm Pacific). Text TEEN to 839863 from 9pm to midnight Eastern (6-9pm Pacific). Any other time, call or text 988.
Who it’s for · Young people up to age 19.
Disaster Distress Helpline
U.S. government (SAMHSA) · Nationwide
Free · Private
A 24/7 toll-free line for stress, grief or anxiety after a storm, fire, flood, shooting or other disaster. Counselors can connect you to an interpreter in more than 100 languages.
How to get it · Call or text 1-800-985-5990. Press 2 for Spanish. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, use your relay service (ASL).
Who it’s for · Anyone in the U.S. dealing with emotional distress tied to a disaster, for yourself or someone else.
A 24/7 toll-free line for stress, grief or anxiety after a storm, fire, flood, shooting or other disaster. Counselors can connect you to an interpreter in more than 100 languages.
How to get it · Call or text 1-800-985-5990. Press 2 for Spanish. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, use your relay service (ASL).
Who it’s for · Anyone in the U.S. dealing with emotional distress tied to a disaster, for yourself or someone else.
Child safety
Safe Place for Newborns: leave a baby safely
State of Georgia (DHS / DFCS) · All of Georgia
Free · Private
If you cannot care for a newborn, Georgia law lets you hand the baby (up to 45 days old) to a staff member at any hospital, fire station, police station, ambulance service or public safety vehicle, or place the baby in a newborn safety device. You do not have to show ID or give your address, and you are protected from prosecution.
How to get it · Hand the baby to an on-duty employee or volunteer at one of those places. Staff call DFCS at 1-855-422-4453 to take custody.
Who it’s for · A mother (or someone acting at her direction) with a baby no more than 45 days old.
If you cannot care for a newborn, Georgia law lets you hand the baby (up to 45 days old) to a staff member at any hospital, fire station, police station, ambulance service or public safety vehicle, or place the baby in a newborn safety device. You do not have to show ID or give your address, and you are protected from prosecution.
How to get it · Hand the baby to an on-duty employee or volunteer at one of those places. Staff call DFCS at 1-855-422-4453 to take custody.
Who it’s for · A mother (or someone acting at her direction) with a baby no more than 45 days old.
Safe Place: teens can walk into any QuikTrip for help
National Safe Place Network, with Christian City · Metro Atlanta
Free · Private
A young person in trouble can walk into any place with the yellow and black Safe Place sign, including QuikTrip stores, YMCA of Metro Atlanta locations and some fire stations, and say 'I need help.' Or text SAFE and your location to 44357. A youth agency (Christian City in much of metro Atlanta) responds 24/7 to pick you up and give you shelter. No money, appointment or adult needed.
How to get it · Text SAFE and your city/ZIP or address to 44357 (4HELP), or walk into a Safe Place site. In metro Atlanta you can also call Christian City at 770-964-3301.
Who it’s for · Youth under 18 (up to 21 in some communities). Christian City covers Fulton, Douglas, Carroll, Fayette, Coweta, DeKalb and Cobb.
A young person in trouble can walk into any place with the yellow and black Safe Place sign, including QuikTrip stores, YMCA of Metro Atlanta locations and some fire stations, and say 'I need help.' Or text SAFE and your location to 44357. A youth agency (Christian City in much of metro Atlanta) responds 24/7 to pick you up and give you shelter. No money, appointment or adult needed.
How to get it · Text SAFE and your city/ZIP or address to 44357 (4HELP), or walk into a Safe Place site. In metro Atlanta you can also call Christian City at 770-964-3301.
Who it’s for · Youth under 18 (up to 21 in some communities). Christian City covers Fulton, Douglas, Carroll, Fayette, Coweta, DeKalb and Cobb.
Help after a crime
Crime Victims Compensation (up to $25,000)
Georgia Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC) · All of Georgia
Free · Private
If you or a loved one was hurt or killed in a violent crime in Georgia, the state can pay bills no one else covers: medical and dental up to $15,000, lost wages up to $10,000, loss of support up to $10,000, funeral up to $6,000, counseling up to $3,000 and crime scene cleanup up to $1,500, up to $25,000 total.
How to get it · Apply online at victimscompportal.cjcc.ga.gov or mail the application to CJCC, Crime Victims Compensation Program, 104 Marietta Street NW, Suite 440, Atlanta, GA 30303. Program advocates can help you fill it out: 404-657-2222 or 1-800-547-0060. Send itemized bills and the police report; you can start a claim without every document and add them later.
Who it’s for · Victims, witnesses, and family members paying bills or who depended on the victim. The crime must be reported to law enforcement or another authority (within 72 hours is asked on the form), and you must apply within 3 years of the crime (minors have until their 21st birthday). No arrest or conviction is needed. Insurance, Medicaid and Medicare must be used first.
If you or a loved one was hurt or killed in a violent crime in Georgia, the state can pay bills no one else covers: medical and dental up to $15,000, lost wages up to $10,000, loss of support up to $10,000, funeral up to $6,000, counseling up to $3,000 and crime scene cleanup up to $1,500, up to $25,000 total.
How to get it · Apply online at victimscompportal.cjcc.ga.gov or mail the application to CJCC, Crime Victims Compensation Program, 104 Marietta Street NW, Suite 440, Atlanta, GA 30303. Program advocates can help you fill it out: 404-657-2222 or 1-800-547-0060. Send itemized bills and the police report; you can start a claim without every document and add them later.
Who it’s for · Victims, witnesses, and family members paying bills or who depended on the victim. The crime must be reported to law enforcement or another authority (within 72 hours is asked on the form), and you must apply within 3 years of the crime (minors have until their 21st birthday). No arrest or conviction is needed. Insurance, Medicaid and Medicare must be used first.
WHAT TO BRING
✓ police or incident report, itemized bills, death certificate (for funeral benefits), W-9 form
WHAT TO BRING
✓ police or incident report, itemized bills, death certificate (for funeral benefits), W-9 form
Common questions
I'm not safe at home. Who can I call right now?
If you are in danger, call 911. For help any time, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788. In Atlanta, Fulton, or Gwinnett, call PADV at 404-873-1766. Elsewhere in Georgia, call the Georgia domestic violence hotline at 1-800-334-2836.
I was sexually assaulted. Where can I get help?
Call the Grady SAFE & Rape Crisis Center at 404-616-4861 or RAINN at 1-800-656-4673, any time. In Safe Company also has a 24/7 line: 404-377-1428. In Georgia, a forensic medical exam costs you nothing, even if you don't work with police.
How do I report child abuse in Georgia?
If a child is in danger now, call 911. Otherwise, call Georgia DFCS at 1-855-422-4453 (1-855-GACHILD), any time. To talk it through first, call or text Childhelp at 1-800-422-4453. Childhelp does not take reports.