PHOENIX — The state's sexual and domestic violence helpline is extending its hours after seeing an uptick in calls of more than 20%, according to the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence.
The Arizona Sexual and Domestic Violence Helpline will now take calls until 7 p.m. every Tuesday, the coalition said.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to connect with even more survivors by offering additional availability,” the coalition's CEO, Jenna Panas, said in a news release.
The coalition said the global pandemic has led to a significant increase of people reaching out to the helpline, with monthly numbers increasing about 23% throughout 2020 – that's nearly 600 additional calls, chats and texts throughout 2020.
The coalition said 2021 is seeing a greater increase in call volume, with June being the highest month of calls in a decade.
How to contact the helpline:
- Phone: (602) 279-2980 or (800) 782-6400
- Text: 520-720-3383
- Online chat: www.acesdv.org/helpline.
- Assistance is provided in both English and Spanish.
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