Hotline
Emergency Shelter
Counseling, Case Management
Legal Referrals & Partners

What to expect when calling our hotline…

• The NYAWC hotline is available in English or one of 15 different Asian languages and dialects, which may include: multiple Chinese dialects, Korean, Japanese, Hindi, Vietnamese, Cambodian, Urdu, Punjabi, Gujarati and Bengali.
• All calls to our hotline are confidential, and you only need to disclose as much information as you feel comfortable with at that time.
• Our hotline specialists will answer any questions you might have about domestic violence and our services.
• Our hotline specialists are trained in safety planning and can work with you to develop a personalized plan for yourself and your children. If you are in immediate danger, the hotline specialist will direct you to call 911.
• If you are interested in speaking with a counselor for further assistance, our hotline specialists will connect you with one. If a counselor who speaks your language is not immediately available, the specialist will ask for a safe time and phone number where you can be reached.
• All NYAWC calls are blocked for caller ID, and counselors are also trained not to disclose any information, including where they are calling from, if someone other than you answers the phone.
• If it is not safe for our counselor to call you, the specialist will schedule a time when you can call back and speak with a counselor.

What to Expect when seeking emergency shelter…

NYAWC's emergency shelters are available for victims of domestic violence and their children who are in need of secure, confidential housing. All of our shelters are located in safe residential neighborhoods. While many people have the misconception that shelters are institutional and dangerous, in reality NYAWC's shelters are a warm, safe, private and supportive place for you to begin rebuilding your life free from violence.

Note: To be eligible for emergency domestic violence shelter, one has to be a victim of domestic violence and have an immediate safety concern.

What to expect when seeking emergency shelter…

• After you request shelter, staff will conduct a phone interview to assess the immediate safety concern and the need for services.
• Once you are assessed to be eligible, we will schedule a face-to-face shelter screening to further determine eligibility.
• At the screening, staff will explain the confidentiality requirements and responsibilities for moving into a shelter.
• If you have children over the age of five, a separate screening will be held for them to ensure that they are ready to move into a shelter.
• Once you have been accepted into the program and agree to the requirements, staff will work with you to schedule a move-in date based on safety and shelter availability.
• If you enter one of our emergency shelters, you will find a clean, safe, secure living space in a safe neighborhood for you and your family.
• 24-hour staff are there to help you, and regular child care is available during select hours. Housing assistance is available to help in the search for safe, permanent housing, and vocational counselors will assist with training, education, and job-related needs.
• Counseling and case management will be provided as described in the sections below. There are also regular support groups within each shelter.

Counseling and Case Management at NYAWC:

NYAWC counselors and case managers support survivors of domestic violence in a variety of settings, and play various roles when assisting survivors. Regardless of the situation, their primary purpose is to empower victims of abuse.

You are not alone and we are here to help.

What Can I Expect from Counseling?

• Confidentiality: All information is kept within the agency and is not shared with anyone outside of this agency without your consent.
• Safety and Privacy: You will meet your counselor at an undisclosed location where you can share your situation in privacy.
• Listening and Respect: Your counselor values what you say, will not judge you and will listen to you. You are the expert on your situation, your hopes for the future and your goals.
• Intake: The trained counselor will take down initial information and ask you questions about your situation in order to clarify your goals and better assist you in reaching safety and getting what you want. All information is kept confidential.
• Information and Options: Counselors will provide you with information on your rights and the options you have regarding you and your children's safety and well being. Counselors will not tell you what to do, but will help you think through the options and choices you have within your control.
• Clarity: Your counselor will help you think through your thoughts, feelings, and concerns in order to help you achieve your goals.

What Can I Expect from Case Management?

• Advocacy: Case Managers can help you maneuver through the complicated and often unfriendly systems that you might have to work with. This includes getting financial, housing, medical, police or legal assistance.
• Accompaniment: Case Managers will accompany you on your visits to obtain the services that you choose to receive, and will interpret for you if necessary.
• Information: Case Managers can provide you with valuable information about the systems with which you need to work. They will help you learn how to advocate for yourself so you can eventually navigate these systems on your own. This information is valuable in helping you to know your rights and gain your independence.

Do you need legal assistance?

The staff at NYWAC are trained to answer basic legal questions. We also have an extensive network of legal partners who we will refer to if you need legal assistance for issues such as divorce, custody, immigration status and more. We do not have lawyers on-site, but we will work intensively with you and your lawyer.

Our legal partners include, but are not limited to: