Why call the
Crisis Line?
 ““I’m
with you, I’m here with you……….
I am here with you!” is what I heard my co-worker
say,” explained e. ellington, residential services coordinator.
The one sided conversation ellington is describing is one that
took place a few months ago on the SafePlace crisis line.
The call was a woman in a dangerous situation. Her abuser
was at her bedroom door, pounding furiously as he attempted
to get in. She was terrified, pleading for help. Then the
line went dead.
This call was just one of the thousands our agency receives
each year. Our inquiries range from those in crisis to those
in our community searching for information regarding sexual
assault and domestic violence. We also receive inquiries
from family members and friends who may be secondary victims
of violence.
Our crisis line is the entry way for survivors seeking
support, resources or information. “The primary role
of our advocates is to be compassionate listeners,”
says ellington. The goal during any crisis call is to determine
what the caller needs. We specifically ask “What do
you need right now?”
Each person’s situation is different. Some need someone
to help brainstorm safety options; others need referrals
and information. Still others just need someone to listen
so they can think through their ordeal.
“We don’t tell them what to do. We offer resources
and services to meet their needs,” says ellington. The
services we offer include emergency motel stays, access
to our shelter, emergency transportation, legal advocacy,
medical advocacy, and support groups.
If we don’t have the resources we try to find others
in the community that do. We work with many agencies and
community members to find services for our clients. For
example, we often connect victims with attorneys, other
shelters, Department of Social and Health Services, and
many other community agencies.
What we do through the crisis line is an essential service
to our community.
Our services could not happen without community support.
We thank all of you who donate to support these services.
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