For many victims of domestic violence, child support offers financial independence from an abusive partner. At the same time research shows that the birth of a child, establishing paternity and a child support order, and enforcing the order can be triggers for violence.
If you are a parent or family member concerned about domestic violence, contact the toll free National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or StrongHearts Native Helpline at 1-844-7NATIVE (762-8483).
National Domestic Violence Resources
Administrator's guide to improve DV policies and practices
See how to assess current practices and identify steps to improve survivor safety
Caseworker guide on how to support and communicate with survivors
Learn survivor-centered principles for how to talk about child support
Get the caseworker guide (PDF)
Top Domestic Violence Resources
OCSE Domestic Violence Virtual Training Offerings
Find domestic violence training and how to schedule a session for your team
Child Support Model Practices: Screening for Domestic Violence
Describes approaches for identifying domestic violence in child support programs and highlights examples from state and tribal agencies
SAVES Center: National Resource Website
Shares training, technical assistance, research, and policy information for child support programs to help domestic violence survivors
Model Procedures for Domestic Violence Cases
Provides guidance and model procedures for child support staff when processing cases involving domestic violence
Assessing Risk, Enhancing Safety: Child Support Process Guide
Highlights how child support staff can enhance safety for survivors of domestic violence
SAVES Grantee Updates
Model practices and resources developed by state and tribal grantees with site contacts for more information