Women’s Crisis Line

 

            One out of four American women will be sexually or physically assaulted—at some point in her life—by a current or former spouse, live-in partner, or a date.  One out of every six women was sexually abused as a child.  That is why our Women’s Crisis Line exists. 

           

            The violence—whether current or in the past—not only affects the woman, it also impacts her family members who learn of it, her children, her friends who want to support her, her school or her workplace. 

 

            When a woman calls our crisis line, she is greeted by someone who understands her situation and will validate her feelings.  If she is currently being abused, she will be helped to make a safety plan before taking any steps to end the relationship.  If she is ready to leave—and there may be a very small window of opportunity to do that safely—we will send a cab to take her to a battered woman’s shelter.

 

            If she is a victim of sexual assault, she will be encouraged to go to a hospital emergency room where she can receive medical attention.  If necessary, we will send a cab to take her there. 

 

            Whether she is calling about a recent assault or a lifetime of abuse, we will help her to evaluate her options.  She will be encouraged to call back at any time for further support and information.

 

            The Women’s Crisis Line is answered by staff (during the business day) and by a corps of dedicated volunteers (every night and all weekend).  Volunteers are carefully screened and must complete over 40 hours of training before ever picking up the phone to answer a call. 

 

            Women’s Support gathers caller satisfaction information each year.  In 2005, 100% of callers surveyed said that the person they talked to was understanding and caring about their situation.  98% said their stress was reduced as a result of calling the crisis line and 98% said they would encourage a friend to call us if she needed to.

 

Crisis line calls answered:  9,139

   

Residence
	St. Louis County	51%
	St. Louis City	41%
	Surrounding Region	8%
Age
	Age 17 and younger:	10%
	18-24	21%
	25-59	64%
	Age 60 and older	5%