UPDATE: The New Mexico Sexual Assault Helpline has marked its first anniversary by responding to over 1,200 inquiries from survivors across the state. This significant milestone, celebrated on October 21, 2024, highlights the helpline’s crucial role as a free, confidential resource for those seeking support.
Executive Director Alexandria Taylor of the New Mexico Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs stated, “The helpline is working exactly as it was designed.” Established with support from the state Crime Victims Reparation Commission and Health Care Authority, the helpline operates 24/7, offering assistance via phone, text, or online chat.
The helpline reported engaging in 1,141 phone calls, 90 online chats, and 50 text messages in its inaugural year. Callers hailed from 25 counties throughout New Mexico, with interactions lasting from 30 seconds to two hours and 50 minutes. This year, about 80% of those who reached out were seeking someone to talk to, while 20% asked for referrals to essential services like sexual assault nurse examinations or counseling.
Taylor emphasized the importance of the helpline for survivors, noting, “For some, this may be their first time ever saying that this experience happened to them.” As part of its anniversary celebration, the helpline launched a public awareness campaign featuring local actor Amanda Machon, aiming to raise awareness about the resource’s availability.
The coalition’s findings are alarming: a 2024 crime victimization survey revealed that 54% of New Mexicans reported experiencing sexual assault or rape at some point in their lives, yet 68% of these individuals did not seek professional help. The helpline’s data underscores a pressing need for connection and support among survivors.
“We want to honor what it means for someone to reach out and share their experience,” said Rachel Cox, Deputy Director of Programs at the coalition. The helpline employs seven trained responders, each having completed 120 hours of training, ensuring that those reaching out receive compassionate, informed care.
Importantly, the helpline prioritizes user privacy, with no demographic information required from callers. All responses are managed by real people, not bots, and no conversations are recorded, adhering to strict state and federal confidentiality requirements.
As part of its ongoing efforts, the coalition is seeking $1 million in recurring funding from the New Mexico Legislature to sustain the helpline’s operations. Taylor stated, “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 providing survivors with support and a sense of connection.
To celebrate its anniversary, the coalition hosted an event on Monday, October 27, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Tractor Brewing Wells Park in Albuquerque. The event is free and open to the public, encouraging community engagement with the helpline’s vital mission.
As the New Mexico Sexual Assault Helpline continues to grow, it reinforces the importance of providing accessible resources and support for survivors throughout the state. The ongoing campaign and heightened awareness serve as a reminder that help is just a call or text away.
