UPDATE: The New Mexico Sexual Assault Helpline has just marked its first anniversary, responding to over 1,200 inquiries since its launch on October 21, 2024. This significant milestone underscores the helpline’s vital role in supporting sexual assault survivors throughout the state.
Officials announced that the helpline provides a free, confidential, 24/7 resource accessible via phone, text, or online chat. Alexandria Taylor, executive director of the New Mexico Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs, emphasized that the helpline “is working exactly as it was designed,” highlighting the urgent need for such a service.
As the helpline celebrates this crucial anniversary, it revealed response data showcasing its impact: 1,141 phone calls, 90 online chats, and 50 text messages were logged over the past year. Individuals from 25 counties across New Mexico reached out, with call durations ranging from 30 seconds to 2 hours and 50 minutes, reflecting the varied needs of survivors.
The creation of the helpline was prompted by increasing isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic and a comprehensive needs assessment revealing that 54% of New Mexicans reported experiencing sexual assault or rape in their lifetime. Alarmingly, 68% of those victims did not seek professional help.
Rachel Cox, deputy director of programs, stated, “About 80% of people who reached a helpline responder were simply looking for someone to talk to.” This data indicates the profound need for connection and support among survivors.
The helpline operates with a dedicated team of seven responders and two co-directors, all of whom have undergone 120 hours of training. The staff’s diverse backgrounds—from nursing to grief work—enhance the service’s ability to offer compassionate support. The helpline is accessible in both English and Spanish, with interpretation available for other languages.
Privacy is paramount, as the helpline does not require callers to share personal data, complying with state and federal confidentiality mandates. Taylor reassured users, stating, “Our responders are real people—no bots—and no conversations are recorded.”
To raise awareness about the helpline’s services, the New Mexico Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs has launched a public awareness campaign featuring local actor Amanda Machon. The campaign includes public service announcements and a unique coaster program for local eateries. The coasters promote the slogan “Can I give you my number?” alongside the helpline’s contact details.
A public event celebrating both the campaign and the helpline’s anniversary will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, October 27, at Tractor Brewing Wells Park in Albuquerque. The event is free and open to the public, with RSVP available online.
Looking ahead, Taylor expressed the need for ongoing funding, advocating for $1 million in recurring legislative support to ensure the helpline’s sustainability. Cox highlighted, “We’re not at a place yet where there’s going to be no sexual violence in New Mexico,” but emphasized the helpline’s role in helping survivors feel less isolated.
This anniversary not only marks a year of service but also a call to action for continued support and awareness of the challenges faced by sexual assault survivors in New Mexico.
