In the immediate aftermath of a violent crime or traumatic experience, it can be difficult to know what to do, where to go or even how to begin coping with something so overwhelming. A step-by-step guide for what to do to establish safety, document what happened, and how to get help can be found in Violence and Trauma: Action Steps in the Aftermath.

If you need immediate assistance, following are some resources that can help.

Disaster Distress Helpline: 800-985-5990

Gift from Within:207-236-8858

Guide to Recognizing Elder Abuse (877-664-6140)

National Center for Victims of Crime: 800-FYI-CALL (800-394-2255)

National Child Abuse Hotline: 800-422-4453

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-SAFE (800-799-7233) and 800-787-3224 (TDD)

National Runaway Switchboard: 800-786-2929

National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-4673

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-TALK (8255); 888-628-9454 (Spanish); 800-799-4889 (TTY)

National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline: 866-331-9474, 866-331-8453 (TTY)

The Trevor Project: 866-488-7386