Safe Harbor Helpline Spotlight
As the main entry point to Safe Harbor services, the Help Line welcomes calls from adult survivors of all ages, races, religions, nationalities, immigration statuses, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. The Help Line is operated 24/7/365 by a diverse, caring group of staff members, interns, and volunteers trained in crisis intervention, empathetic listening, and trauma-informed principles. The line is accessible to LEP (Limited English Proficiency) and Deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals, and line workers are continually making strides to increase the line’s accessibility and inclusivity, with the goal of ensuring all survivors feel safe and valued.
Survivors calling the line are often calling in the midst of immense trauma, confusion, and fear, and what a caller hears from a line worker can make an enormous impact on their lives going forward. The Help Lin operates from the understanding that the most dangerous time for a survivor is the moment they decide to leave an abusive relationship. Thus, getting callers to leave their relationship isn’t our primary objective (although we will support them every step of the way if that is what they decide is best); rather, we aim to provide a nonjudgmental, supportive ear, with the hopes that this will empower and encourage the caller to make the safest, healthiest choice for themselves and their family.
The story below from an anonymous Help Line worker is just one way our stance of empowerment can positively influence a caller’s life:
"The first call that I took on the Help Line was one that has changed my life. First, I want to say that I didn’t feel emotionally prepared to take this call and had a lot going on in my own personal life. The moment I picked up the phone though I tuned the rest of the world out and knew that this woman on the other line needed me. I listened, encouraged, and I let her know that this shouldn’t happen to anyone. I made her feel human. The next day I got a message from a fellow employee telling me that she left and that I gave her the courage to leave. I had no idea the impact I could have on someone’s life by just being there for them and listening on a phone call.
The work we are doing at Safe Harbor and on crisis lines across the globe is important and saving lives. We as human beings just want to feel heard and loved. Three of the biggest lies we tell ourselves is that we’re helpless, we’re worthless and we're unlovable. We as volunteers on the Help Line are there to remind callers that none of those lies are true. Every human being has worth and is not only capable of receiving love, but deserving of love too.”
We are always looking for volunteers and interns to work on the Help Line. If you are interested in volunteering or interning on the Help Line, please visit our Volunteer Page for more information!
If you need emergency shelter, community services, help with an Order of Protection in Greenville County, or would just like some emotional support, safety planning tips, or resources, please call our 24/7 line at 1.800.291.2139 (select "1" to speak with someone). Community Service (Counseling, Advocacy, Domestic Violence Education and Parenting Classes) and Order of Protection intakes can also be accessed online via our website (all shelter intakes must take place over the phone). Please note that although our Help Line is open to all callers, Safe Harbor services are voluntary and intakes should be initiated by the person seeking services, not by a service provider, loved one or third party.
