Medical Minute: Statewide Helpline for Survivors of Sexual Assault
The Ohio Sexual Violence Helpline (1-844-OHIO-HELP) is a 24/7 confidential resource providing advocacy and support for survivors of sexual violence across Ohio. Staffed by trained advocates, the helpline provides: confidential emotional support, crisis response and information about options and local resources available to survivors and co-survivors, or their friends and family.
In the latest OhioHealth Medical Minute, Meg Dennis, manager of the Sexual Assault Respnse Network of Central Ohio (SARNCO), talks about the helpline and how it can help people throughout Ohio.
"The helpline is open to any survivor in Ohio, whether they have been assaulted recently or in the past," said Dennis. "Sometimes they don't know who to call or where to go, so they'll call us and we can get them to the appropriate resource. Many times a co-survivor, someone who knows and loves the survivor, will call and ask about what they can do to support that survivor and we're able to provide resources to them as well. We can also support community partners with resources."
Nationwide, there has been an increase in sexual violence during the pandemic. However, calls to the helpline have decreased by more than 70 percent since the pandemic began. The Ohio Sexual Violence Helpline and SARNCO want people to know they are here with compassionate, trained advocates to help 24/7. If you or a loved one needs assistance,please call 1-844-OHIO-HELP so we can help begin the healing process.
To learn more about the Ohio Sexual Violence Helpline, click here.
