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Anywhere, Anytime Support for Sexual Assault Victims

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Stephanie Rubi
  • Nellis Air Force Base Public Affairs
Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. --  The Department of Defense community now has access to professional help for sexual assault victims with just a click, call or text, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

In April 2011, the DoD officially launched a Safe Helpline, which offers access to victim support services online at http://www.SafeHelpline.org. Airmen can access the helpline from home, work, temporary duty location or during a deployment.

The website includes contact information for the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, medical personnel, legal assistance, the chaplain, security forces resources and information for civilian sexual assault service providers. The Safe Helpline also provides resources for DoD installations worldwide, Sexual Assault Response Prevention offices, civilian rape crisis centers, and the Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

The Safe Helpline enables victims and their friends and family to receive live, one-on-one confidential help through secure instant messaging. Victims may speak with an advocate about their options to receive support by calling the helpline at 1-877-995-5247 or texting their location to 55247 and receiving contact information for SARC at their base.

"We just hope to get the word out about this resource and, if individuals need to use it, that they are assured it is a safe and secure way to find out options available to them," said Lisa Surette, Nellis Air Force Base SARC.

The helpline is operated by the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network, the largest anti-sexual violence organization. RAINN will not share any personally identifying information with the DoD, local Sexual Assault Prevention and Response office, or the victim's chain of command.

With training on military-specific topics, RAINN staff members can answer questions on restricted or unrestricted reporting options that are available to active duty, reserve, guard members and DoD employees.

"[The helpline] gives our Airmen an anywhere, anytime access to resources, care and support" said Surette. "It also may provide needed information and care for victims that may not want to come into the SARC office to talk face-to-face."

Lastly, the website provides information on understanding a sexual assault, what to do if you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, and options to reduce your risk of being sexually assaulted. The information can help a victim, may prevent sexual assaults, and will help educate the Nellis community and other Airmen worldwide.