Domestic Violence Help in Allen County, Indiana

Last Updated: August 2026

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence in Allen County, free and confidential help is available 24 hours a day. YWCA Northeast Indiana provides crisis support, emergency shelter, safety planning, advocacy and help with protection orders.

Quick Answer

YWCA Northeast Indiana 24/7 Crisis Line:
800-441-4073

Services are free and confidential.

If you’re in immediate danger, call 911.

Get Domestic Violence Help

YWCA Northeast Indiana

YWCA Northeast Indiana is the primary local resource for people experiencing domestic violence in Allen County.

YWCA Northeast Indiana
1313 W. Washington Center Road
Fort Wayne, IN 46825
Office: 260-424-4908
24/7 Crisis Line: 800-441-4073

Visit YWCA Northeast Indiana

YWCA services include:

24-hour crisis support
Emergency shelter
Safety planning
One-on-one advocacy
Protection-order assistance
Housing information
Legal-system assistance
Services for children
Therapy
Support groups
Help connecting with other community resources

YWCA’s community-based advocates serve Allen County and can work with people who don’t need to stay in the shelter.

Emergency Domestic Violence Shelter

YWCA operates Bonnie’s House, an emergency shelter for individuals and families who need a safe place because of domestic violence.

To ask about shelter:

Call 800-441-4073

Learn About Bonnie’s House

You don’t need to go to the YWCA office first. Call the crisis line and an advocate can help determine what you need and discuss shelter availability.

You Don’t Have to Need Shelter to Get Help

You can contact YWCA even if you’re not ready to leave the relationship or don’t need emergency shelter.

Community advocates can help with:

Creating a safety plan
Understanding your options
Finding housing
Accessing community resources
Navigating the legal system
Obtaining a protection order
Services for children
Building financial and practical independence

These advocacy services are free and confidential.

Getting a Protection Order

If you need protection from an abusive partner, former partner or other qualifying person, you may be able to request an Order for Protection through the Indiana court system.

YWCA advocates can help survivors understand and navigate the protection-order process.

Indiana Protection Order Information

If you’re in immediate danger, don’t wait for a protection order—call 911.

Reporting Domestic Violence

Domestic violence can be reported to the appropriate local law-enforcement agency.

Depending on where the incident occurs, that may include:

Fort Wayne Police Department
Allen County Sheriff’s Department
New Haven Police Department
Indiana State Police

The Allen County Prosecutor’s Office recommends calling 911 when someone is in immediate danger.

Allen County Domestic Violence Services

What Counts as Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence isn’t limited to physical assault.

Abuse may include:

Physical violence
Threats
Sexual abuse
Stalking
Harassment
Emotional abuse
Financial control
Isolation from friends or family
Monitoring someone’s movements or communications
Threatening children or pets
Preventing someone from getting help

Domestic violence involves patterns of power and control within an intimate relationship and can occur between people who are married, dating, living together, separated or who share children.

Make a Safety Plan

If leaving immediately isn’t possible or safe, a domestic-violence advocate can help you develop a personalized safety plan.

A plan might include:

Where you could go in an emergency
Who you can safely contact
How to leave quickly
Important documents to take
Medication
Children’s needs
Transportation
Money or bank information
Pet arrangements
A safe way to communicate

YWCA advocates specifically provide safety-planning assistance.

If You Need to Leave Quickly

If it’s safe to prepare ahead of time, consider keeping important items somewhere accessible:

Photo ID
Birth certificates
Social Security cards
Medications
Keys
Phone charger
Bank information
Insurance cards
Children’s important documents
A change of clothes
Important phone numbers

Don’t delay leaving an immediate danger because you can’t take everything with you.

Help With Housing

Domestic violence can create an immediate housing crisis.

YWCA advocates can help survivors identify housing options and community resources, whether someone needs emergency shelter or longer-term assistance.

You can also view:

Allen County Housing Help

What About Pets?

Fear of leaving a pet behind can make it harder for someone to leave an abusive situation.

Tell the YWCA advocate if you have pets and need help making arrangements. YWCA Northeast Indiana identifies pet shelter assistance among the practical supports it may provide to clients.

Don’t return to an unsafe situation solely to retrieve a pet without first discussing safer options with an advocate or law enforcement.

Help With Children

Bonnie’s House provides services for children staying at the shelter, and YWCA community advocates can also help families connect with appropriate resources.

Support can include help with:

Children’s safety
Parenting needs
School-related issues
Community resources
Emotional support

YWCA has dedicated children’s services for families affected by domestic violence.

Free Therapy & Support

YWCA Northeast Indiana provides free therapy services for people affected by domestic and sexual violence.

Support groups may also be available for survivors.

View YWCA Domestic Violence Services

24/7 Crisis Line: 800-441-4073

Allen County Prosecutor’s Office

If criminal charges are filed, the Allen County Prosecutor’s Office provides information and services for crime victims.

Victim services may include information about:

Case status
Court dates
No-contact orders
Sentencing
Restitution
Court accompaniment
Defendant release information
Other community services

View Allen County Victim Notification Services

These services are particularly relevant when a domestic-violence case has entered the criminal court system.

Helping Someone Else

If a friend or family member tells you they’re being abused:

Listen without judging.
Take threats seriously.
Don’t confront the abusive person yourself.
Ask what would be helpful.
Offer to help them contact an advocate.
Respect that leaving can be complicated.
Call 911 if someone is in immediate danger.

You can also call the YWCA crisis line for guidance about helping someone you care about.

800-441-4073

Be Careful With Phones & Internet

Someone who is abusive may monitor:

Phone calls
Text messages
Browsing history
Email
Social media
Location sharing

If you’re concerned your device is being monitored, consider using a safer device belonging to a trusted friend, workplace, library or another location the abusive person can’t access.

Don’t make sudden changes to accounts or devices if doing so could increase your immediate risk. A domestic-violence advocate can help with technology safety planning.

Local Tip

You don’t have to be ready to leave or need emergency shelter before calling YWCA.

An advocate can simply talk through what’s happening, help you create a safety plan and explain your options. Services are free and confidential, and the crisis line is available 24/7 at 800-441-4073.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I get domestic violence help in Allen County?

YWCA Northeast Indiana provides domestic-violence services throughout Allen County. Call the 24/7 crisis line at 800-441-4073.

Is there an emergency domestic violence shelter in Fort Wayne?

Yes. YWCA Northeast Indiana operates Bonnie’s House for individuals and families experiencing domestic violence. Call 800-441-4073 for help accessing shelter.

Do I have to stay in the shelter to receive help?

No. YWCA provides community-based advocacy services for people who don’t need shelter.

Can someone help me get a protection order?

Yes. YWCA advocates can assist survivors with navigating the legal system, including protection orders.

What if I’m in danger right now?

Call 911. If you’re able to safely do so, you can also contact the YWCA 24/7 crisis line at 800-441-4073.

Official Resources