Free Help and Support for People in Abusive Relationships

It's normal to feel a mix of emotions when you're thinking of leaving an abusive relationship. Talking to someone outside of your relationship or family can help you process your feelings and make a plan. 

Throughout Oregon, there are nonprofit organizations that offer help and support to people in abusive relationships. These organizations include:

• Domestic violence hotline. Oregon has a statewide hotline called "Call to Safety" for people in abusive relationships. Hotline staff listen, understand, and offer support without judgment. Visit the Call to Safety website. 
• Domestic violence resource centers. Oregon also has a network of domestic violence resource centers throughout the state. These centers provide free services, including advocacy, support groups, referrals, help with safety planning, and more. You can use this website to find domestic violence services throughout Oregon. 
• Domestic violence shelters. Many of Oregon's domestic violence resource centers also provide free emergency shelter. You can use this website to find a domestic violence shelter in Oregon. 

Remember, whether you're still in your relationship, thinking about leaving, or have already left, free help is available.  

If you're worried about money, you may qualify for financial aid. Oregon offers several financial assistance programs that can make it easier for you to leave. These programs include: 

• Domestic violence grant: If you have children or you're pregnant, you can apply for a new $3,200 "TA-DVS" cash grant to help you leave your situation. Immigration status is not a barrier. Learn more about the "TA-DVS grant" on this government site.
• Food benefits: Oregon's "SNAP" program provides monthly benefits to help you pay for food.
• Cash assistance: The "TANF" program provides monthly payments to families with little to no income. 
• Government health insurance: The Oregon Health Plan provides free insurance to people who can't afford insurance on their own.
• Childcare (daycare) assistance: Oregon also has several programs that can help you pay daycare costs for your kids.

You can learn more about all these programs and apply for help through the Oregon Department of Human Services.  

Tip: When you apply, be sure to tell your DHS caseworker that you're leaving an abusive situation. Your caseworker can ignore your partner's income to help you qualify for more programs. 

There may also be other sources of financial help in your community. Call 211 or contact your local domestic violence resource center to see if additional help is available. 

Leaving an abusive relationship is stressful. But Oregon has laws that can protect you during this time.

Restraining orders  

In Oregon, you may be able to get a restraining order if you want your partner to stay away from you and stop contacting you. 

If you have children, a restraining order can give you temporary custody and set up a safe visitation plan so your kids can still see their other parent. 

Learn more about getting a restraining order on this page. 

Job protections 

Oregon's laws also protect you at work. If you're trying to leave an abusive relationship, you have the right to take time off work. Your employer must also take reasonable steps to help you stay safe. 

Learn more about workplace rights for domestic violence victims on this government website. 

Protections for renters ("tenants")

If you need to move because of domestic violence, you can end your lease by giving your landlord two weeks' notice. You don't have to pay a lease break fee if you provide proper notice and documentation of your abuse. 

If you want to stay in your rental, Oregon laws also give you options for making your abusive partner move out. 

Learn more about tenant protections for domestic violence victims on this page.  

Custody cases

In a custody case, if you prove your partner was physically or sexually abusive to you: 

• It's much harder for your ex to get sole custody of your children. 
• Your ex-partner can't use "parental alienation" against you in a custody battle. 
• A judge must create a safety-focused parenting plan with rules to help you stay safe while facilitating visits between your ex and children. 

Read more about custody and parenting time on this page.

If you're in a domestic violence relationship and can't afford a lawyer, you can apply for free legal help at a legal aid office in Oregon. If your application is approved, a legal aid lawyer may be able to help you: 

• Get a restraining order. 
• Deal with problems at your work. 
• Deal with issues with your rental housing. 
• Get custody of your children. 
• Get financial support. 

You can find your local legal aid office on this page. 

You can visit this page for frequently asked questions about leaving an abusive partner.