Huntsville, Alabama
Survivor Resource Guide
You deserve safety, support, and choices.
You can ask for help while staying, leaving or rebuilding. Start with one resource that meets your needs.
Start Here: Help at a Glance
Use a safer phone/device if your calls, accounts or location may be monitored
Immediate Danger
DV Shelter / Safety Planning
State DV Hotline
National DV Hotline
Mental Health Crisis
Legal Help/ PFA
Sexual Assault Support
Food, Rent, Utilities, Rides
Teen Dating-Abuse Support
Find what you need
Pages
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DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SHELTERS
County and nearby service areas | Call for confidential shelter access
What to ask at intake
Is a bed available today?
Is transportation available?
Can my children come?
Can I get advocacy without entering the shelter?
What about disability access, interpretation, service animals and companion pets?
Tell staff how to contact you safely
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LEGAL PROTECTION & FAMILY LAW
Share urgent hearing dates, existing parenting orders and safe contact details with intake
RESOURCES
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POLICE, COURTS & VICTIM SERVICES
County/jurisdiction determines the appropriate court a prosecutor. These offices are not independent confidential advocates
RESOURCES
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SEXUAL ASSAULT & MENTAL HEALTH
For urgent injury or breathing problems, call 911 or seek emergency care. For forensic care options, call the local sexual assault service promptly.
RESOURCES
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CHILDREN, FAMILIES & PUBLIC BENEFITS
Child welfare, SNAP/TANF and child support are different DHR programs. Ask for the correct division.
Resources
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HOUSING RESOURCES
Confidential DV shelter is listed on page 3. General housing programs may have waitlists.
Resources
Make the next call concrete
Ask:
Where do I apply?
Which documents can I replace later?
Is the waitlist open?
Is there rapid-rehousing or eviction prevention assistance?
Can my household stay together?
A legal-aid advocate can explain survivor protections for qualifying housing.
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FOOD, UTILITIES & FAMILIY NUTRITION
For SNAP/TANF use you county DHR contacts on page 7. For current rent/utility funds call 211.
Resources
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TRANSPORTATION & HEALTH ACCESS
Check service boundaries before booking; regional programs do not necessarily cover every city address.
Resources
Plan a safe ride
Ask about wheelchair access, children/car seats, reservation deadlines, fares, return trips and whether pickup information is shared. For an urgent escape, ask a DV advocate about safe options; a bus route may not provide enough protection.
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LANGUAGE, DISABILITY & OLDER ADULTS
Ask for an interpreter, accessible format, support person or other accommodation when contacting services.
Resources
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TRAFFICKING, MILITARY & PET SAFETY
Additional culturally responsive trafficking support:
Resources
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SAFETY PLANNING & TECHNOLOGY
Use these prompts with an advocate. Choose the steps that fit your situation; do not confront an abusive person to follow this checklist.
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MY SAFETY & RESOURCE PLAN
Optional worksheet. Leave it blank if recording this information could put you at risk.
Safe contact and safe callback time
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Where I can go / backup place
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Transportation and return-ride plan
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Children: safe adult, school and pickup plan
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Medications, disability access and items
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Documents or legal deadlines I need help with
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Pets: safe placement, records and transportation
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First resource I will call / next appointment
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A simple way to start a call
"I am looking for help with ___. I am in ____ County. Is it safe to explain my situation here? Please contact me only by ________ at _______. Is this service available now? What do I need to bring? What can I do if documents are missing?"
You can ask about confidentiality and mandatory-reporting expectations before sharing details. Ask for another referral if a program is full or you do not qualify.
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