For those who are monitored, stalked or never alone, calling is not always an option
Jun 03, 2019 ~ By Amanda Kippert
Let’s face it—there are talkers and then there are texters. Some of us are seemingly allergic to phone calls—all that small talk and figuring out how to wrap up the call and wondering what to do with awkward pauses. Thank goodness someone invented texting, the savior of introverts and phone-phobic individuals everywhere.
And now, texting is doing even more good for the world as a means of connecting survivors of domestic violence to advocates ready to help with support, advice and a safety plan for separating from an abuser when ready.
SafetNest is a domestic violence crisis advocacy nonprofit and shelter in Clark County, Nevada. It’s been helping survivors since 1977—42 years, or “since domestic violence became illegal,” says their CEO Liz Ortenburger. The organization’s outreach spans from Las Vegas to eight rural communities surrounding it. Their crisis line receives some 20,000 phone calls a year.
In January, they officially launched their texting program, meaning survivors and others alike can reach an advocate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by texting 702-646-4981(or 800-486-7282 outside of Las Vegas).
