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Schuylkill Women in Crisis to launch domestic violence text hotline
Republican Herald - 2/28/2021
Feb. 28—Those looking for help in a domestic violence situation have a new way to reach Schuylkill Women in Crisis.
The organization will add a text hotline Monday to its list of services for victims of intimate partner violence. It works by users texting "Hopeline" to 20121 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, although organization officials said they will gradually expand the hotline's hours of operation over the next few months.
They said in a news release the new hotline is designed to help those experiencing abuse get help without the need to call the organization's telephone hotline, adding that it comes at a stressful time for everyone, particularly those experiencing violence.
"During the (coronavirus) pandemic, victims were more isolated than ever before because they had to shelter in place with their perpetrator, unable to call for assistance," officials said in the release. "This service allows victims another option to reach out for help."
In an interview in October, Schuylkill Women in Crisis President and CEO Sally Casey said victims of domestic violence spending more time with their abusers increases the risk to their safety. Work on the hotline began last year, according to the release.
In addition, the organization's hotline, 570-622-6220, and toll-free number, 800-282-0634, are available 24 hours a day. All services are provided by trained staff and volunteers, and are free, confidential and provided regardless of gender.
More information on Schuylkill Women in Crisis can be found online at www.s-wic.org or on the organization's Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn pages.
Contact the writer: clee@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6028; @Cleespot on Twitter
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