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.
This page is general information, not a diagnosis or medical advice. If you're in crisis, go to Get Help Now instead of reading further.