New York City is taking a major step in supporting victims of domestic and gender-based violence by expanding its 24-hour Hope Hotline. The newly upgraded hotline will soon offer a chat feature, providing more accessible support for victims and survivors. This initiative aims to make it easier for people in crisis to get help quickly and efficiently.
New Chat Feature for Easier Access to Support
The Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence has announced that the 24-hour Hope Hotline will include a chat feature with language translation starting in February. Initially, the chat feature will be available during specific hours, but by April, it is expected to be available 24/7, 365 days a year.
Chat Availability Schedule (Before April Expansion)
- Monday to Friday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Saturday: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Sunday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
This new addition will provide victims a discreet way to seek help, especially for those who may feel unsafe making a phone call.
One Centralized Support System
Deputy Mayor Anne Williams-Isom emphasized that the expansion aims to make support services more efficient. The city is merging three crime victim access lines into one, ensuring that victims of any type of crime can receive assistance as quickly as possible.
She stated:
“We’re moving from three crime victim access lines to one and adding a chat feature so any person in need of help related to any type of crime can reach support as quickly as possible.”
This means that victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and other crimes will have one easy-to-access platform to connect with advocates and get the help they need.
Mayor Eric Adams Supports the Expansion
Mayor Eric Adams praised the expansion as part of his administration’s commitment to making New York City safer. He highlighted how the hotline received over 101,000 calls last year, and with the addition of the chat feature, even more victims will be able to seek help.
He stated:
“The expansion of NYC’s 24-Hour Hope Hotline to include a chat feature underscores our administration’s efforts to create a safer city for all New Yorkers. Our ability to connect victims to services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year is a critical tool in our efforts to keep New York the safest big city in the United States.”
This expansion aligns with the city’s broader efforts to reduce crime and improve access to critical resources for those in need.
How to Access the Hotline
Victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, human trafficking, or other crimes can reach out for help through:
- Chat with an advocate on the official website of the Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence.
- Call the 24-hour Hope Hotline at 1-800-621-HOPE (4673) for immediate assistance.
The hotline is managed by the Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence in partnership with Safe Horizon, ensuring professional and compassionate support for all victims.
New York City’s decision to expand its domestic violence hotline by adding a chat feature marks an important step toward improving support for victims. With the ability to seek help discreetly and access language translation services, more people in crisis can reach out without fear. The move also reflects the city’s broader goal of creating a safer environment for all residents by ensuring that help is always just a call or message away.
By making these resources more accessible, New York City continues to lead efforts in protecting and supporting survivors of domestic and gender-based violence.
