Reimagining Enhanced Access and Capacity of the Hotline (REACH) Project

PURPOSE OF THE PROJECT: The Reimagining Enhanced Access and Capacity of the Hotline (REACH) Project, proposed by the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) and implemented in partnership with Esperanza United (EU), responds to the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) Fiscal Year 2022 Building Capacity of National Crisis Hotlines solicitation. The REACH Project will enhance and expand the capacity of the WomensLaw Email Hotline, a national victim services hotline, to provide legal crisis intervention support using trauma-informed approaches that protect the safety and confidentiality of victims. Through a proposed partnership with EU, a culturally specific agency dedicated to ending gender-based violence against Latino/a/e (“Latin@”) communities, NNEDV will increase awareness of and enhance access to its Spanish Email Hotline services, with an emphasis on reaching monolingual and/or immigrant Spanish-speakers.

PRIMARY ACTIVITIES AND EXPECTED OUTCOMES: The REACH Project will complete the following: 1) conduct strategic planning; 2) expand staffing of the WomensLaw Email Hotline; 3) enhance training for hotline personnel; 4) engage in public awareness campaigns and outreach efforts aimed at promoting its hotline services; 5) develop culturally and linguistically appropriate materials and resources for victim service providers (VSPs) and criminal justice stakeholders; 6) provide trainings for VSPs and criminal justice stakeholders; 7) maintain participation in the National Hotline Consortium; and 8) implement quality assurance and improvement initiatives.

The REACH Project includes three key expected outcomes: 1) increased knowledge and support will be available to Email Hotline personnel and volunteers; 2) increased access to legal information, referrals, and support for victims of crime, VSPs, and criminal justice stakeholders through WomensLaw.org and the Email Hotline; and 3) increased awareness of REACH Project services through outreach and public awareness activities.

SERVICE AREA: The REACH Project is nationwide in scope. The service area will be all U.S. states and four U.S. territories (Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia).

INTENDED BENEFCIARIES AND SUBRECIPIENTS: Beneficiaries of the REACH Project include victims of crime (domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking), as well as VSPs and criminal justice stakeholders. The REACH Project focuses on the following underserved communities: domestic and family violence victims, sexual assault victims, and Latin@ communities.

PRIORITY CONSIDERATION: NNEDV is requesting priority consideration under Priority Area 1(B).