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A new confidential, 24-hour sexual assault hotline is now available to provide crisis support and referrals to survivors and their friends and family.
“The launch of this hotline is the latest – and one of the most important – steps in Michigan’s efforts to support survivors of sexual assault as they go through the healing process,” Gov. Snyder said. “Sue and I want survivors to know that trained, caring professionals are prepared to listen and assist them along their journey toward healing.”
The state hotline is a special project of the Division of Victim Services within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Day-to-day operations are conducted by the Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence.
The hotline will be staffed by professional crisis counselors with specialized training in crisis intervention, sexual assault, child sexual abuse, victim’s rights, health options and Michigan law.
Hotline staff can help connect victims with community-based sexual assault programs that offer additional counseling, advocacy and support.
Hotline staff also can connect victims with other Michigan services such as Crime Victims Compensation and the Michigan Victim Information and Notification Everyday (MI-VINE), an electronic victim notification service.
“Too often, survivors of sexual assault feel they have nowhere to turn for help,” Sue Snyder said. “This hotline helps to build a more supportive environment in Michigan where survivors can reach out safely and confidentially for the support they need and deserve.”
Victims are urged to call the hotline at 1-855-VOICES4.
The hotline is not intended for reporting sexual assaults to law enforcement.
Those who wish to file a police report should call 911 or local law enforcement.
