October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. If you'd like to donate money or time to a group that assists victims—or if you need help yourself—here is a list of organizations doing good work.
FOR IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE

National Domestic Violence Hotline (800-799-7233): Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, this line is a resource for safety information and can connect any caller with shelters and protection advocates in her area.

VINE (VineLink.com): Active in 47 states, VineLink.com allows women to search for an offender in custody by name or identification number, then register to be alerted if the offender has been released or transferred, or has escaped.

Women's Law (WomensLaw.org): This site has state-by-state legal information and resources for victims, as well as advice on how to leave an abusive situation, gather evidence of abuse, and prepare for court.

FINANCIAL AND MEDICAL RESOURCES

Education and Job Training Assistance Fund (nnedv.org/projects): Grants from the Allstate Foundation help domestic violence victims enter and stay in the workforce. The money (up to $1,000) can be used for classes, clothes, computers, and other resources.

Face to Face (800-842-4546): This program provides free plastic and reconstructive surgery to victims who've sustained injuries to the face, head, or neck.

Give Back a Smile (800-773-4227): Front teeth damaged by a violent partner or spouse are repaired pro bono.

From the October 2009 issue of O, The Oprah magazine.

 

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