REACH Beyond Domestic Violence is excited to announce it is now operating an “Online Chat” as an alternative to calling the hotline. The Online Chat will be available for limited hours this summer, with hopes of expanding this fall. Online Chat is available to survivors of domestic violence, and to those who are concerned about someone in their life, such as friends, family, and neighbors. The Online Chat will be available Tuesdays-Thursdays from 2:00-4:30pm.
REACH decided to launch this new initiative in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Over the past few months, the agency has seen a reduction in the number of phone calls we have received from survivors. As physical distancing and staying at home remain standard recommendations, speaking on the phone may be too risky for survivors who are in need of support. The Online Chat option will provide an alternative that may prove safer for some survivors. This format will also allow those who are uncomfortable speaking on the phone or survivors who are hard of hearing to access support.
As with all of REACH’s services, the online chat is open to all survivors of any gender identity, sexual orientation, financial background, or immigration status. This service is free and confidential, and friends, family, and professionals supporting survivors are welcome to utilize the online chat as well.
To learn more about Online Chat with REACH, visit https://reachma.org/online-chat/. For support outside of chat hours, please call REACH’s 24/7 hotline at 1-800-899-4000.
