The V Word

Welcome to today’s edition of The V Word. Today we are talking about a statewide domestic violence and sexual assault hotline.

The Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action alliance has this information about their hotline on their website:

You deserve safety and support. Whether someone has hurt you in the past or is hurting you now, we’re here to listen and to help.

If you are a friend, family member, or professional wondering how to help someone, or just want to know more about sexual assault, stalking, controlling behavior, or intimate partner violence…call us.

We will listen, offer support, and connect you to resources in your area.

Free. Confidential. 24 hours a day.

Listen to today’s episode for information about the Virginia Family Violence and Sexual Assault Hotline and all of it’s services that are available, including the new chat option as well as the LGBTQ Helpine!

Listen to today’s episode here

Do you need help or information?  Here are some options…

If you have been assaulted and feel comfortable with calling the police, call 911.

If you are not comfortable with talking to the police, but want to talk to someone, you can call  the Virginia Family Violence and Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-838-8238.

You can now text/chat The Virginia Hotline Monday through Friday 4pm-8pm at http://www.vsdvalliance.org/

Text: (804) 793-9999 Monday-Friday 4pm-8pm to speak to someone today!

If you have been assaulted in the last 72 hours you can get a  forensic exam to collect evidence and receive medical care. You can do this with and without reporting to the police. The local hospitals in the Richmond area with Forensic Nurse Examiners are at Medical College of Virginia and St. Mary’s Hospital.

Do you want to know how you can help?

Get involved with your local domestic violence/rape crisis agency.  Donate to services that help survivors recover and heal.

Want to share a story or ask a question?  Email me at thevword.radio@gmail.com or tweet me at my twitter account:  @preventviolence.  You can read the transcript for this show and past shows on my blog at www.thevword.org

Today’s host was Jenn Gallienne. The V Word is recorded in the studios of WRIR-LP 97.3 and streamed at wrir.org, The V Word is produced by Carol Olson. Music was created by The Etching Tin