Domestic violence is more than physical violence. It is a pattern of behaviors that gets worse over time. These behaviors are used to gain and maintain power and control over another person. In addition to the use of physical violence, domestic violence involves isolation, intimidation, emotional abuse and more.

• Have ever been threatened, hit, kicked, shoved, or had things thrown at you by your partner.
• Need your partner’s permission before buying food or clothing, writing checks, or making other daily decisions.
• Often go along with plans you don’t like because you’re afraid of your partner’s anger.
• Are often accused by your partner of things you’ve never done.
• Make choices about activities and friends according to how your partner will react.
• Feel you have no choice about what you wear, what you say, who you spend time with or where you go.

The Home Free Community Program provides safety planning, emotional support and legal advocacy to families impacted by domestic violence.

Home Free Services include:

• 24-hour crisis phone response
• Intervention following arrests
• Monitoring of police responses
• Assistance writing protection orders and with family court cases
• Tracking cases through the court system
• Systems advocacy, and training of law enforcement, prosecutors and court personnel.

We ensure a community-wide response to domestic violence through coordination of law enforcement, criminal justice, and social service systems. Services are provided to eleven cities and municipalities in Northwest Hennepin County. We provide expanded services using a domestic assault intervention project model in the cities of Plymouth, New Hope, and Champlin.

Home Free also offers services to immigrant and refugee victims of domestic violence, including safe shelter, advocacy, information and support, and immigration specific advocacy.

Individuals experiencing domestic violence are often referred by law enforcement, or they may contact the program directly; no referral is needed. All services are free, confidential and voluntary, regardless of income or immigration status.

For more information, please contact the Home Free Community Program at 763.545.7080 from 7:30 to 3:30pm Monday-Friday.

Or, if you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please contact the Home Free Hotline 24-hours a day, seven days a week at 763.559.4945.

Home Free is a safe haven for victims and survivors and their children who have needed to flee their homes due to domestic violence. The Shelter provides emergency housing and support services to over 600 female identifying individuals and children each year. Usually filled to capacity, the Shelter can accommodate 30 adults and children with an average length of stay of 18 days. Services are provided free of charge to all residents.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please contact the Home Free Hotline 24-hours a day at 763.559.4945.