Emergency Housing
New York State has emergency shelters for domestic violence victims. Leaving your home can be scary. But these shelters provide a safe place for victims and their children to stay for a short period of time. Some shelters let your pets stay with you, or will help find a place where your pets can be cared for. All licensed Domestic Violence Programs must serve all victims of intimate partner violence. For more information, please go to the Domestic Violence Programs and Shelters sections of this website.
Trained advocates at the shelter can help you think about your options and plan your future. They can help you with:
- Permanent housing
- Counseling
- Legal services
- Other needs.
What are my rights in a domestic violence shelter?
You have the right to get a written agreement and a notice about your rights. The agreement explains the program rules, such as how long you can stay and when someone can be asked to leave.
The notice describes your rights. These include the right to:
- Confidential, fair, and respectful treatment
- A safe environment
- Private communication, such as sending and receiving mail
- Meet with a lawyer
- Come and go according to the shelter’s rules
- Manage your own finances
- Religious freedom
- Know that all suspected cases of child abuse will be reported to the State central registry of child abuse and maltreatment
To decide if a going to a shelter is the right choice for you, find a domestic violence program and talk to an advocate.
Can a Domestic Violence Program deny me shelter or other services because I am trans or non-binary?
No. Denying you all services because of your sex, gender, identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation is against the law. Domestic Violence programs must serve you, but some limitations in services may be allowed, such as offering you unisex bedrooms or bathrooms in the shelter.
For more information about the rights of Transgender, Gender Non-Conforming, and Nonbinary people to access shelters, please see the Opening Shelter Doors Know Your Rights Guide on the Empire Justice Center website.
For more information about the rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender/Transsexual, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual and others, please go to the LGBTQ+ and Hate Crimes section of our website.
Updated 1/26/24