Contributed by Mary Haggerty for RAINN Consulting Group
Asking for help is never easy, and for survivors of all forms of sexual misconduct, it can feel impossible.
Creating avenues for survivors to reach out anonymously and confidentially is an important part of the solution. At RAINN, we work with organizations to establish client-branded hotlines that make a difference for survivors.
With over thirty years of experience operating the National Sexual Assault Hotline, RAINN has helped over 4 million survivors and their loved ones. We use this wealth of experience to develop organizational hotlines that are uniquely tailored to break down barriers to help.
Because when they’re done right, hotlines can lead to a safer organizational culture.
Understanding the Barriers to Reporting
When I worked as an attorney representing survivors of sex trafficking, many of my clients shared that it took them weeks, months, or even years to reach out for help—even when they knew who to call. Fear of not being believed, retaliation, and the retraumatizing nature of administrative processes (like accessing medical care or speaking with law enforcement) stopped them from seeking support.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) estimates that 75% of workplace sexual harassment incidents go unreported. Similarly, the National Crime Victimization Survey estimates that the majority of sexual assaults are not reported to law enforcement.
The result? Too many survivors remain isolated, without the support they need to heal. For organizations looking to create safer environments and better support survivors, this is a major challenge.
Hotlines Done Right
Merely launching a hotline is not enough.
Many well-intentioned organizations have expressed confusion over low activity on their RAINN-integrated hotline—then they come to understand that a low number of calls does not mean a low rate of sexual misconduct in the community. It takes time and effort for people to understand the process for utilizing a hotline—and to feel comfortable doing so.
For a hotline to actually benefit survivors and promote a safer community, it needs to be:
- Thoughtfully administered
- Supported by robust policies
- Widely publicized
Without a holistic approach, even the best-intentioned hotline can fall short—or worse, cause additional harm.
Building a Framework for Success
Successfully implementing hotline services for survivors requires a comprehensive approach. Organizations must be proactive, trauma-informed, and survivor-centered in their efforts. This involves:
Hotline Awareness Campaigns
For a hotline to be effective, people need to know it exists. Awareness campaigns increase visibility and reduce the stigma often associated with seeking help. By publicizing the existence of a hotline using clear, encouraging language, organizations can empower survivors to take the first step toward healing.
Organization-Wide Training & Education
Everyone in an organization needs to understand how the hotline works, its purpose, and their role in supporting survivors. A foundation of understanding in the community creates a supportive environment for survivors as they move forward.
Policy Assessment & Development
A hotline is only as effective as the policies that back it up. Organizations must evaluate and improve their existing policies to ensure they are trauma-informed and survivor-centered. This includes establishing clear protocols for how hotline reports are handled and equipping the organization to respond in a timely, compassionate manner.
Hotlines: Powerful Tools for Change
When combined with strong policies, robust training, and prevention initiatives, hotlines can transform how survivors access help, creating cultures of safety and respect.
RAINN offers a variety of customized, client-branded hotline products to meet the individual needs of each client community:
Crisis Hotlines
A crisis hotline offers immediate access to emotional support, resources, and information for community members when they need it. RAINN’s hotline support specialists receive extensive training on the client organization’s specific policies and protocols, allowing community members to access this information during their call.
Reporting Hotlines
A reporting hotline serves as the first point of disclosure for individuals within an organization who are seeking support, information, or to make a report—all the while preserving their confidentiality until they choose to engage with the reporting process. When someone decides to formally report sexual misconduct, RAINN will conduct a victim-centered, trauma-informed intake and pass the information along to the appropriate point of contact for follow-up.
Recovery Support Fund Hotlines
A recovery and support fund hotline allows your organization to support individuals affected by incidents of sexual misconduct within their community by providing reimbursement funds toward support services.
Hotline Technology Licensing
Licensing provides RAINN’s powerful hotline technology to organizations with the capacity and desire to staff their own hotline. RAINN’s hotline technology prioritizes user anonymity and is customized for crisis intervention services.
Safe, Accessible, Responsible
For survivors, reaching out for help is an act of courage.
For organizations, providing a safe, accessible way to do so is a responsibility.
While hotlines alone won’t solve all the complex issues surrounding sexual misconduct, they are a crucial piece of the puzzle.
Sexual abuse, assault, and misconduct are sensitive, challenging issues, but every organization should be prepared to support survivors.