From intimate partner violence and child abuse to human trafficking, millions of people around the world experience abuse each year. In the US alone, over 12 million cases of intimate partner abuse are documented each year and over 30% of women reported impaired functioning as a result. Furthermore, the cycle of abuse often spans generations, with about 30% of abused or neglected children becoming abusive parents and 66% becoming abused spouses or partners. Fortunately, organizations around the world assist victims in escaping and overcoming abuse to break this cycle. So we had to ask: What are the best charities for abuse victims?

The best charities for abuse victims are the National Domestic Violence Hotline and Futures Without Violence. Charities such as The Home for Little Wanderers and Rapha International provide hopeful futures for abused children.

Whether you want to help an abused mother build a new life for herself and her children, support education that promotes gender equality, or create permanent stability for victims of trafficking, there is a charity for you. Keep reading to learn more about what the best charities that support abuse victims are all about, how they work, and what your best way would be to contribute.

Here’s What All the Best Charities for Abuse Victims Have in Common

The charities on this list were chosen based on their mission, impact, transparency ratings, and achievements.

They operate primarily throughout the US and Canada, but some support abuse victims internationally.

Many of these charities provide direct counseling services to those suffering from abuse-related post-traumatic stress disorder, while others provide resources to guide victims toward independence. Some cater to specific populations like children. Others support anyone who has experienced abuse.

Some of the charities below focus on providing professional development to ensure that practitioners are up to date with the latest evidence-based treatments, while others focus on advocacy and policy change.

Yet, they all share the same goal of supporting abuse victims.

These Are the 9 Best Charities for Abuse Victims in 2024

Below are our favorite charities for abuse victims (you can click on their link to directly jump to their section in this article):

Best Charities For Abuse Victims

National Domestic Violence Hotline

Futures Without Violence

The Home for Little Wanderers

Rapha International

House of Ruth

National Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Mental Health America

Trauma Institute and Child Trauma Institute

Save the Children

(At the end of this article we’ll also share our six-step approach on how you can select the best charity to support.)

National Domestic Violence Hotline: Always On Call

The National Domestic Violence Hotline was authorized in 1994 by the Violence Against Women Act. Today, the organization provides comprehensive services to victims before, during, and after their domestic violence experience.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and a Gold Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“Hope is on the line.”

National Domestic Violence Hotline

The National Domestic Violence Hotline empowers victims of abuse, specifically domestic violence, through their crisis intervention, prevention, and advocacy programs. For example, victims can reach out to The Hotline 24/7 via phone call, text message, or online chat and speak with an advocate who can help them navigate a path to safety. In addition, their educational materials help victims better understand abuse, including Why People Abuse, and they provide tools that allow victims to create personalized safety plans. They also provide resources specifically for male victims of domestic abuse, like overcoming gender stereotypes to recognize and report abuse. 

Since their inception, the National Domestic Violence Hotline has answered more than 5.5 million calls, texts, and chats from victims trying to escape abuse. For example, in 2022, they received a record-high volume of contacts with more than 2,000 calls, chats, or texts daily, totaling over 775,000 for the year. In the same year, over 4.2 million people accessed their website and an additional 2.5 million visited their Love is Respect website.

You can donate to the National Domestic Violence Hotline and love is respected via their websites. You can also support the organization’s mission by spreading their message or learning how to support a victim.

Futures Without Violence: Bold Action for a Violence-Free World

Futures Without Violence was founded in 1980 by Esta Soler when she received a federal government grant to establish the Family Violence Prevention Fund. Today, they are one of the largest domestic violence advocacy organizations in the US.

Futures Without Violence holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and a Gold Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. 

“More than a mission, a movement.”

Futures Without Violence

Futures Without Violence supports healing for victims of abuse and promotes a violence-free future through their groundbreaking programs, policy development, and public action campaigns. For example, they operate programs that engage men to end violence against women and children, and dismantle toxic masculinity culture through initiatives such as Coaching Boys Into Men and #TeachEarly. They also work to create resilience in children who have witnessed or been victims of domestic abuse through programs and initiatives like Changing Minds, Bridges to Better, and Promising Futures. And, the organization is home to the National Health Initiative on Violence and Abuse, a health program that works to advance high-quality, equitable healthcare and supportive services for victims of abuse.

Since their founding, Futures Without Violence has engaged millions of men, women, and children to end abuse and create a safer future for families and communities. For example, in 2023 alone, their advocacy efforts helped unlock more than $2 billion for programs that prevent violence, provide economic support, and help survivors heal. In the same year, their work impacted people in over 40 states across the US and organizations in 10 different countries operated programs modeled after their approaches.

You can donate to Futures Without Violence via their website. You can also support the organization’s mission by sharing their Public Service Announcements on your social media or joining their email list.

The Home for Little Wanderers: Better, Brighter Futures for Kids

The Home for Little Wanderers was founded in 1999 as a merger between 5 like-minded organizations focused on helping vulnerable children. Today, they remain committed to supporting traumatized youth by helping them build stable lives and hopeful futures.

The Home for Little Wanderers holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“Programs that create permanent, positive change.”

The Home for Little Wanderers

The Home for Little Wanderers supports abuse victims through their community-based programs which are designed to ensure the emotional, social, educational, and physical well-being of youth up to the age of 26. For example, The Center for Early Childhood provides services for children suffering from trauma-related challenges like attachment, anxiety, and depression. As another example, they provide in-home counseling, and family stabilization services through their Safe at Home program, while their Young Adult Programs help youth transitioning out of the foster care system. Moreover, the organization utilizes evidence-based clinical approaches to help victims of abuse overcome their trauma, like Integrative Treatment of Complex Trauma and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

The Home For Little Wanderers is the oldest child welfare agency in the US. Each year, their team of over 1,000 providers-including psychologists, social workers, and other mental health professionals- serves more than 15,000 children and families. And, their advocacy efforts have given life to two new organizations; the Aging Out Youth Coalition and the Massachusetts Permanency Practice Alliance, to drive policy impacting vulnerable children. Moreover, they are the largest mental health provider for Boston Public Schools.

You can donate to The Home for Little Wanderers through their website. You can also support the organization by becoming a mentor or organizing an Essential Items Drive.

Rapha International: Healing and Restoring Victims of Child Trafficking

Rapha International was founded in 2003 by Stephanie Freed as a single aftercare program in Cambodia for underage victims of human trafficking and sexual abuse. Today, the charity operates internationally to end sexual exploitation, one community at a time.

Rapha International holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. 

“Healing, hope, freedom.”

Rapha International

Rapha International rescues and rehabilitates children who have been sexually exploited and abused through human trafficking. For example, their Survivor Care programs provide victims with the Keys to Freedom; a comprehensive set of intensive, specialized services that help survivors heal and thrive, from basic needs like shelter and medical care to vocational and career training. Furthermore, their prevention programs include family services, like education support and food supplements, and also community services, like opportunities for socialization at Kids Club Community Center locations. And, their Hope and Healing Center provides trauma-focused therapy to victims of trauma in the US.

Since their inception, Rapha International has expanded their reach from a single program in Battambang, Cambodia to an international operation serving thousands of victims of child trafficking and abuse each year. For example, in 2009, they began serving children in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and opened their first Prevention program in Cambodia. Then, in 2014, they expanded to Haiti and also opened additional facilities in different parts of Cambodia and Thailand. And, they opened their first US-based operation, the Hope and Healing Center in 2020.

You can donate to Rapha International via their website. You can also support the organization’s mission by utilizing their educational resources to spread awareness or purchasing branded merchandise.

House of Ruth: Empowering Survivors of Domestic Violence

House of Ruth was founded in 1976 by Dr. Veronica Maz in Washington D.C. Inspired by the plight of the impoverished on Washington’s skid row, the charity was the first shelter dedicated to housing women and children exclusively. Today, House of Ruth helps women rebuild their lives after the trauma of domestic violence and homelessness.

House of Ruth holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“Hope starts here.”

House of Ruth

House of Ruth supports survivors of intimate partner violence through comprehensive, trauma-informed services that help women break the cycle of abuse and achieve independence. For example, in 1998, they opened the Domestic Violence Support Center to provide crisis intervention and mental health assistance to women and children impacted by domestic violence. The center provides both individual counseling and case management services, so survivors can heal while also planning for the future, including housing and employment. Furthermore, in 1990, they founded Kidspace to serve young children who have experienced homelessness, abuse, or poverty.

Since their founding, the House of Ruth has empowered thousands of traumatized women and children to escape abusive situations. In 2023, their programs served more than 15,000 individuals. For example, 118 victims of domestic violence received individual and group counseling services through their Domestic Violence Support Center, while their Kidspace facility in Washington DC’s Ward 7 provided developmental and therapeutic daycare for 56 previously houseless children.

You can donate to House of Ruth through their website. You can also support the organization by volunteering or making an in-kind donation.

National Coalition Against Domestic Violence: Creating Hopeful Futures

The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence was founded in 1978 at the United States Commission on Civil Rights hearing on battered women after the groundwork for the organization had been laid by feminists like Betsy Warrior and Valle Jones. Today, they are the nation’s leading grassroots voice on domestic violence.

The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence holds a 3-star rating from Charity Navigator. 

“Voice of victims, home for advocates.”

National Coalition Against Domestic Violence

The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence provides direct support to victims of domestic violence and advocates for societal change to prevent future suffering. For example, they host financial education webinars to educate victims and survivors about rebuilding financially after abuse and provide resources to help them create a Personalized Safety Plan. Moreover, they provide advocacy tools and support to promote legislation that benefits victims of abuse, like Disarm Domestic Violence; an initiative aimed at providing state-specific information to remove guns from domestic abusers. And, they work to raise awareness of domestic violence through resources such as the Take a Stand Toolkit and the Remember My Name project.

Since their founding, the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence has impacted millions of women, children, and men through their direct support and advocacy work. For example, in 2021, they were instrumental in the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, which funds victim services and preventative measures. Furthermore, in the same year, their Remember My Name project memorialized an additional 467 victims murdered as a result of domestic violence and their Take a Stand Toolkit was downloaded 4,906 times.

You can donate to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence via their website. You can also support the organization’s mission by volunteering or keeping up with their blog.

Mental Health America: Action Before Crisis

Mental Health America was founded in 1909 by Clifford W. Beers to reform mental health care after he experienced years of abuse in public and private mental institutions. Today, Mental Health America is the nation’s leading community-based nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals, including victims of abuse, manage and overcome mental health issues.

Mental Health America holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“Crisis is not a starting point.”

Mental Health America

Mental Health America supports abuse victims through advocacy, education, research, and integrative services. They provide comprehensive resources on trauma, including abuse-related trauma, to help sufferers and their loved ones navigate relevant mental health challenges, from diagnosis to treatment and beyond. For example, their MHA Screening test for post-traumatic stress disorder, allows people to learn more about their conditions, connect with peer support, and find a local treatment provider. They also offer tools to help victims in recovery, like changing negative thoughts using AI-generated positivity, optimizing your home environment to promote mental wellness, and practicing radical self-acceptance. 

Since their founding, Mental Health America has educated millions of people about mental illnesses, including those impacting victims of abuse. For example, their MHA Screening tool has helped more than 21 million people gain insight into their mental health. Moreover, their 2022 campaign for Mental Health Month reached more than 100 million people.

You can donate to Mental Health America via their website. You can also get involved by joining their advocacy movement or creating your own fundraiser.

Trauma Institute and Child Trauma Institute: Professional Development to Maximize Healing

The Trauma Institute and Child Trauma Institute was founded in 2002 by Dr. Ricky Greenwald to better disseminate high-quality trauma treatment training programs. Today, they remain committed to helping survivors of abuse and other traumas recover and thrive.

The Trauma Institute and Child Trauma Institute holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. 

“Get your life back.”

The Trauma Institute and Child Trauma Institute

The Trauma Institute and Child Trauma Institute supports abuse victims by equipping clinicians, researchers, and other stakeholders with the most innovative information and resources to help their clients heal. For example, their Trauma Therapy training offers providers continuing education courses in research-based treatment approaches, like EMDR and Progressive Counting. They also offer certification packages to help practitioners enhance their knowledge and repertoire of treatment approaches, as well as consultation services to ensure accurate implementation. Moreover, they directly provide Intensive Therapy retreats, an approach in which participants spend full, consecutive days working through their trauma with a highly skilled professional.

Since their founding, the Trauma Institute and Child Trauma Institute has helped thousands of mental health practitioners in over 20 countries around the world enhance their ability to serve trauma victims, including those who have experienced abuse. For example, in 2022, they presented 46 teaching and training events, reaching almost 2,000 mental health professionals. In the same year, they provided 171 Intensive Therapy retreats, 70 of which were provided at no cost thanks to their Victims of Crime grant-funded program.

You can donate to the Trauma Institute and Child Trauma Institute via their website. You can also support the organization’s mission by utilizing their educational resources or subscribing to their blog.

Save the Children: Protecting Trauma-Exposed Children

Save the Children was founded in 1919 by Eglantyne Jebb in response to the impact of World War I on children in Europe. They were the first global organization dedicated solely to serving children’s needs and they continue to be a global leader in protecting children’s well-being.

Save the Children holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“All children deserve a healthy start in life.”

Save the Children

Save the Children supports children who have been abused or are at risk of being abused through their protection and rehabilitation programs. They protect children, especially those living in poverty, by implementing programs that address the root causes of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. For example, they combat gender-based violence, including sexual exploitation and child marriage, by promoting gender equality from an early age and empowering girls to stay in school and pursue independence. Moreover, they provide psychosocial support to help abused children recover and thrive. For example, their HEART program utilizes arts-based group activities to help abuse victims adapt and overcome, while their Journey of Hope program focuses on normalizing emotions and developing positive coping strategies.

Since their founding, Save the Children has changed the lives of over 1 billion children, including those who have experienced trauma. For example, since 2013, their HEART program has supported more than 1 million children across 30 countries, and they have helped reduce child marriage by one-third since 1990. And, in 2022 alone, their programs reached over 118 million children, including helping 3.8 million live a life free from violence.

You can donate to Save the Children via their website. You can also participate in a fundraiser, volunteer, or sponsor a child.

How Can You Select the Best Charities to Support?

The charities on the list are, we deem, the best charities for abuse victims. However, you may have a particular charity you want to support. Let’s look at what you can do to ensure your contribution has the most significant impact.

• Check out the charity website. Charities that are worthy of your donations are transparent in their mission and their figures. Familiarize yourself with their history, mission, and values. Their website usually is the best place to start.
• Identify the charity’s mission. Without a goal, the charity is likely to fail. If the charity’s mission isn’t clear, it’s probably worth looking for a charity that does have a clear mission. 
• Check if the charity has measurable goals. An effective charity has clear goals. You want to know your donation will help the charity reach its goals. But if it doesn’t have targets, it’s likely to fail or squander your gift. The charity should be able to account for its spending and supply evidence of the work they do.
• Assess the successes or goals the charity has achieved. You wouldn’t invest in a business if it kept missing its targets. In the same way, charities are like this too. If no one is assessing a charity’s progress in reaching its targets, the chances are they’re not making a substantial positive change.
• Check the charity’s financials and stats. Trustworthy organizations will publish financial statements and reports each year. Some might be exempt from having to do so, but they should be able to provide them to public members who are interested in donating.
• Locate sources who work with or benefit from the charity. Word of mouth and first-hand experience of a charity’s work lets you know the charity’s quality. If you’re able to do so, check out the charity for yourself or speak to someone familiar with it. This way, your donation will go to the right place. 

How Can You Best Support These Charities?

After you’ve made your decision, it’s time for you to decide on how you’d like to help the charities you’ve chosen. Check how you can help – each charity runs specific programs that have unique aims. Find out what the aim of such programs is and whether they are right for you. 

Here are a few ways you can help your chosen charity:

• Donate money. You can find donation pages on the websites of most charities. Your donation can be a one-time payment, or you can set it to be deducted regularly at different intervals. You can mostly pay via credit card, but some charities also take PayPal or Bitcoin payments.
• Buy their official merchandise. Charities can also raise money by selling merchandise. So, you can support them by buying the mugs, shirts, caps, pens, pencils, and any other such items they may be selling. Ideally, you should buy as much as you can to share and spread the word about the charity’s activities.
• Engage in volunteer work. As you’ve seen from our descriptions above, some charities engage in a lot of local and grassroots programs. You can help by taking on and organizing the program in your local area.
• Help their fundraising efforts. You can spread the word about the charity in your workplace, school, church, etc., and hold creative fundraising drives on social media or offline within your small circles.
• Share their stories. Most charities have compelling stories that you can share with your audience to attract more people to the cause.

Final Thoughts

Now it is up to you to select the charity that resonates most with you. And whichever charity you end up choosing and contributing to, we are sure that they will immensely appreciate your support. Hopefully, the information within this article has made this selection process a bit easier for you to support charities dedicated to abuse victims—based on the causes that matter most to you.

Stay impactful,

PS: Finally, I want to leave you with a thought-provoking TED talk from Dan Pallotta, a leading philanthropic activist and fundraiser, about what is wrong with the way we think about charities – and what we can do about it:

Sources

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