PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
September 21, 2021
2700 N. Central Ave, Suite 1100
Phoenix, AZ 85004
602-279-2900 / 1-800-782-6400
media@acesdv.org
ARIZONA COALITION TO END SEXUAL AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ANNOUNCES EXTENDED HELPLINE HOURS
PHOENIX, SEPTEMBER 21, 2021 – The Arizona Sexual and Domestic Violence Helpline announces extended hours on Tuesday evenings until 7:00pm (AZ time).
The Arizona Sexual and Domestic Violence Helpline and Chat is available Monday – Friday 8:30a – 5:00p with extended hours on Tuesdays: 8:30a – 7:00p. The Helpline provides support, information, financial assistance, and referrals to survivors of sexual and domestic violence, friends and families, and advocates.
The Arizona Sexual and Domestic Violence Helpline has been able to assist survivors of sexual and domestic violence with the unique challenges brought on by the global pandemic such as increased isolation and access to services. The health crisis brought a significant increase to the number of contacts reaching out to the Helpline with monthly numbers increasing an average of 23% throughout 2020, about 600 more calls/chats/texts throughout 2020. 2021 is seeing even more increases. June 2021 had the highest month of calls in the past decade and continue to increase by another 20%.
“ACESDV is pleased to announce the Arizona Sexual and Domestic Helpline will now offer assistance to survivors on Tuesday evenings,” said Jenna Panas, CEO of the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence. “We are grateful for the opportunity to connect with even more survivors by offering additional availability.”
The Helpline can be reached by phone (602) 279-2980 or (800) 782-6400, through SMS text: 520-720-3383 or online chat: www.acesdv.org/helpline. Assistance is provided in both English and Spanish.
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About the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence
The Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence (ACESDV) works to dismantle oppression and promote equity among all people, focusing on increasing public awareness about sexual and domestic violence and enhancing safety and services for survivors. ACESDV was originally founded as the Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence in 1980, so that concerned citizens and professionals could unite in a statewide organization to end domestic violence. In 2013, the coalition became the designated dual coalition to address both sexual and domestic violence in Arizona, thus becoming the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence. ACESDV provides training and technical assistance to responders, service providers, and community members, engages in public policy advocacy and public awareness initiatives, and provides direct services through the Arizona Sexual and Domestic Violence Services Helpline and through phone, chat and text. To learn more visit www.acesdv.org
Follow ACESDV on Twitter: twitter.com/ACESDV
Find ACESDV on Facebook: facebook.com/ACESDV
See ACESDV on Instagram: instagram.com/AZCESDV
Media Contact(s)
Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence
Jenna Panas, (817) 939-1577
Jenna@acesdv.org