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You are not alone, and the abuse is not your fault. Whatever you decide, Help Now advocates are here 24/7 — free and confidential.
24-hour hotline: (407) 847-8562Safety planning
A safety plan is a personal, practical plan to lower your risk of harm — whether you stay, leave, or are unsure. It's best made with an advocate, who you can reach any time at (407) 847-8562.
1
Decide where you can go for help. Tell someone you trust, and keep phone numbers for friends, family, and the shelter with you at all times.
2
Pack a getaway bag. IDs, birth certificates, Social Security cards, medications, keys, cash, and important papers — kept somewhere safe and easy to grab.
3
Plan to leave safely. Change routines, secure an injunction for protection, and teach children how to call 911 and where to go.
✓ Driver's license & photo ID
✓ Passport, green card, work permit
✓ Birth certificates
✓ Social Security cards
✓ Checkbook & bank records
✓ ATM & credit cards
✓ School & medical records
✓ Medications & prescriptions
✓ Emergency money
✓ Extra keys
✓ Insurance & car registration
✓ Injunction, custody & divorce papers
✓ A change of clothes
✓ Address book & phone numbers
✓ Get an injunction & keep it with you
✓ Have mail sent to a friend's address
✓ Put phone & utilities in another name
✓ Notify children's school or daycare
✓ Change your routines & travel routes
✓ Carry a phone (911-only phones available)
✓ Teach children how to call 911
✓ Never meet the abuser alone
Red flags
Abuse isn't always physical. Recognizing the warning signs can help you understand if you're at risk. Common red flags include:
Jealous, possessive behavior
Tries to control your life
Isolates you from family & friends
Blames others for their actions
Sudden mood swings & rage
Threats of violence
Name-calling & yelling
Accusations of cheating
Pushes for quick commitment
Unrealistic expectations
Blames you for their feelings
Cruel to animals or children
Rigid gender roles
A history of abuse
Controls the money
Monitors your time and activity
Hypersensitive to criticism
Double personality
Emergency shelter
Help Now provides temporary, confidential shelter for victims of domestic abuse facing imminent danger. The location is undisclosed and protected. While in shelter, we offer:
✓ Support groups
✓ Individual counseling
✓ Safety planning
✓ Court advocacy
✓ Case management
✓ Parenting classes
✓ Educational groups
✓ Life skills sessions
✓ Outreach services
✓ Domestic violence advocates
Our advocates are here to empower you to make the choices that are right for you — no judgment, no pressure.
Call an advocateServices
We don't tell you to stay or leave — we offer information, options, and support for whatever you decide. Services are free and confidential.
Group and individual counseling, referrals, and emotional support.
A supportive space for kids from violence-filled homes to heal and feel safe.
Support filing protection orders and navigating the court system.
Tools to rebuild financial independence and stability.
Prevention and mentoring for teens and children.
911-only cell phones and rapid safety support.
Legal assistance
Our Court Advocacy Program supports survivors and their children through the legal process, including:
✓ Filing protection orders
✓ Crisis counseling
✓ Explaining your rights
✓ Hearing accompaniment
✓ Attorney referrals
✓ Emergency 911 phones
✓ Advocacy and ongoing support
✓ Exploring your options
Located on the 3rd floor of the Osceola County Courthouse, Family Court Services. Monday–Friday, 8:30am–4:30pm.
Call a court advocate directly at (407) 795-7509 or (407) 742-2631.
Important numbers
24-hour hotline
(407) 847-8562
Shelter
(407) 847-0128
Outreach
(407) 847-3286
Administration
(407) 847-3260
TTY
(407) 846-2472
Emergency
911
State Attorney's Office
(407) 742-5290
Court – Injunction Unit
(407) 742-2631
Community Legal Services
(407) 847-0053
Florida Legal Services
(407) 801-4350
VINE Program
(877) 846-3435
Kissimmee Police
(407) 846-3333
St. Cloud Police
(407) 891-6700
Osceola County Sheriff
(407) 348-2222
Victim Service Center (Sexual Assault)
(407) 254-9415
For family & friends
You don't need to have all the answers. Let them know you're concerned, listen without judgment, and remind them the abuse isn't their fault. Call our hotline to learn how to support them safely.
Get info and supportTalk with an advocate any time, day or night. Free, confidential, and no pressure.
Call (407) 847-8562