Find Help
You do not have to face this alone
Needing support is a normal part of being human. At different times, each of us may need someone to listen, practical assistance, protection, or professional guidance. Asking for help is not a weakness.
This is one reason we build civil society: to care for one another, defend our rights, and make support available when it is needed. These rights must be protected so that every person can live in dignity, safety, and freedom.
Seeking help can give you space to be heard, understand what is happening, and explore your options. It should not mean giving someone else control over your decisions. You deserve support that respects your dignity, choices, and pace. Your privacy matters. Support services should explain how they protect your information, who can access it, and any limits to confidentiality.
Your story should not be shared without your informed consent, except where legal or safeguarding duties require disclosure.
These limits should be explained clearly before you share personal details. You can begin by asking: “Is this conversation confidential? Are there circumstances in which you would have to tell someone else?”
You do not need to tell your whole story at once. Asking for help can begin with a few words: “Something is happening, and I need someone to listen.”
Find support where you live
United States
If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
Domestic violence and controlling relationships
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
Visit the website and access online chat
Sexual assault
National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673
Visit RAINN for support
Dating abuse and support for young people
Love is respect: 1-866-331-9474
Visit Love is respect
Find support near you
Browse the U.S. Department of Justice’s directory by state or territory
Before sharing personal details, you can ask the service about confidentiality and any circumstances in which information must be disclosed.
Canada
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. Where 911 is unavailable, call your local police emergency number.
Family violence helplines and services
Find support in your province or territory.
Visit the Government of Canada’s support directory
Shelters and support for women and their children
ShelterSafe connects you with nearby shelters for safety and support.
Find a shelter through ShelterSafe
Support for children, teens and young adults
Kids Help Phone offers support 24 hours a day.
Call 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868.
Visit Kids Help Phone
Before sharing personal details, ask about confidentiality and its limits.
Kurdistan Regional Government
Domestic violence and protection concerns
Call 119 — the government protection hotline listed by UNHCR for the Kurdistan Region.
Read UNHCR’s guidance on available support
Support should put your safety, dignity, and choices first. You should not be pressured to remain in, return to, or reconcile within an abusive relationship for the sake of family unity or reputation. Speaking about harm is a step towards seeking safety—not a betrayal of your family.
Before sharing identifying details, ask about confidentiality, how your information will be used, and what assistance is available.