Professional staff and trained volunteers provide immediate assistance to victims of family violence 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. The initial crisis call is often the first time someone has been willing to listen to a victim's story without criticizing or passing judgment. The person who answers the crisis line can:
- complete a safety plan with the victim
- give information about victims' legal rights, including the Crime Victims Compensation Fund
- provide information about ALIVE's services
- answer questions the victim might have
- make appropriate referrals
Our crisis line ensures that victims have immediate access to well-informed advocates who explore options and offer appropriate referrals. Assessment and safety planning provide callers with the necessary tools to establish physical safety for themselves and their children. Victims feel less isolated, less responsible for the violence, and more empowered when they have spoken to advocates who are available for support.
During office hours, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., the crisis line is answered by staff members and trained volunteers. After office hours, calls are answered by an informed, issue-aware answering service, trained to use a special protocol for screening and processing our calls. The calls are then routed to the volunteer on call, who is backed up by two staff members. ALIVE operates two 24-hour crisis lines, one in the St. Louis area and one in Franklin County.
