Abusive relationships

If you or someone you know is unsafe at home, NL has a dedicated, 24/7 line and a province-wide network of transition houses.

What it is

Abuse in a relationship isn't only physical — it includes control over money, isolation from friends and family, threats, and constant put-downs. It tends to escalate gradually, which is part of why it can be hard to name while you're inside it.

Common signs

Walking on eggshells to avoid a partner's reactions
Being monitored, restricted, or cut off from friends and family
Being put down, blamed, or made to feel like the problem
Fear of a partner's anger or unpredictability
Financial control — not having access to your own money or accounts

Good to know

Leaving is often the most dangerous point in an abusive relationship, which is exactly why NL's transition houses and the Domestic Violence Help Line are built around safety planning, not just emergency shelter.

What helps

A transition house can provide both immediate safety and help building a longer-term plan — legal, financial, housing. You don't need to have already left, or even be certain you want to, to call and talk it through.

When to seek help

Call the Domestic Violence Help Line at any point — to talk it through, to plan, or in an emergency. If you're in immediate danger, call 911.

Before you call

What to expect when you call or text 988988 is Canada's Suicide Crisis Helpline. Here's what happens when you call or text — it's free, 24/7, and you don't have to be 'in crisis enough' to call.What to expect at the ER for a mental-health crisisIf you can't keep yourself safe, the emergency room is for you too. Here's what happens when you arrive — and what won't.

Services that can help

See all related services in NL