“We are eager to expand our services to reach every Native victim-survivor who needs it,” said StrongHearts Director Lori Jump (Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians).
“StrongHearts will continue our work until all of our relatives have the resources they need and are safe from violence.”
Like online chat advocacy, text advocacy increases accessibility for individuals who may be hearing impaired and those who may be uncomfortable or unable to vocalize a call for support. As the pandemic continues and victim-survivors in abusive relationships are forced to shelter-in-place with their abusive partners; it becomes even more vital to offer multiple communication options so victim-survivors can decide what is a safe and appropriate option for them.
To address these inequities and better serve Native Americans and Alaska Natives, StrongHearts has been rapidly expanding. In 2020, StrongHearts launched online chat advocacy and sexual violence advocacy. In 2021, StrongHearts increased advocacy services to 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
As American Indian and Alaska Native communities continue to navigate the isolating effects of COVID-19, 24/7 expanded operations and text advocacy will allow those experiencing domestic and sexual violence to connect with a highly-trained advocate whenever they need free, anonymous and confidential support.
StrongHearts Native Helpline is a culturally-appropriate, anonymous, confidential and free service dedicated to serving Native victim-survivors, concerned family members and friends affected by domestic, dating and sexual violence. StrongHearts Native Helpline is a project of the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center and the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
