Department of Defense Self Helpline Presentation

Published May 19, 2016
By Airman 1st Class Luke W. Nowakowski
460th Space Wing Public Affairs

BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- A Department of Defense Safe Helpline presentation was held May 17 at the Leadership Development Center on Buckley Air Force Base, Colo. The presentation addressed different avenues offered by the Safe Helpline to support DoD community members who have been effected by a sexual assault.

This confidential program provides online services, chat rooms, phone services, texting options and a phone application that seek to help and advise individuals dealing with the stressful nature of an assault.

The DoD Sexual Assault Prevention Response Office was founded in 2005. Studies from SAPRO that came out in 2009 showed that a large majority of assaults were going unreported.

Through cooperation with the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network, SAPRO established a hotline for victims of sexual assault.

"24/7 confidential, unanimous, crisis intervention support," said Lindsey Gundrum, Senior Safe Helpline liaison.

Safe Helpline hotline serves to connect victims of sexual assault with support services that can better meet the needs of that person by directing them to the appropriate resources.

The online resource, safehelpline.org , offers contact information for base resources as well as access to trained counselors and others who have experienced sexual assault. It serves as a starting point for any questions or services available for getting help when dealing with sexual assault.

The Safe Helpline is a worldwide program that can be used anywhere at any time.

Peggie Moore-McCoy, 460th SW Sexual Assault Response coordinator, told a story where a Service member called the DoD Safe Helpline which then connected him to her. He had been on a temporary duty assignment in Pueblo and was sexual assaulted in Castle Rock while visiting a friend. Unsure of what to do and in an unfamiliar area, he had no idea what to do. He called the DoD Safe Helpline, which connect him with Moore-McCoy, who along with a victim advocate, were able to pick him up in Castle Rock. They brought him to the authorities and his group commander to make sure he was taken care of. He was able to file a report and get a conviction.

The DoD Safe Helpline was able to help this Service member get out of traumatic situation and get him to the correct authorities that could help him to the fullest.

For more information on the DoD Safe Helpline, visit safehelpline.org or call the hotline at 1-877-995-5247.