MAN: Wow, that's really scary. I'm so sorry that happened.
[phone ringing]
KATIE RAY-JONES: It's not easy to leave an abusive relationship.
WOMAN: And if you're always wondering, you know, what he's going to do next...
KATIE RAY-JONES: That first call for help is an extremely courageous call, and, if we don't answer the phone, that person may not pick it up again.
WOMAN: Hay programas que pueden ayudar...
KATIE RAY-JONES: We are a lifeline.
WOMAN: ...asistencia legal o con consejería.
KATIE RAY-JONES: We really work hard to ensure that advocates are able to remain nonjudgmental, that they can really be able to show empathy.
MAN: Well, you're not alone, and I'm sorry that you feel that way, and what are some things that you're doing to self-care for yourself?
DANIELLE GINDELE: We'll go through, like, the dynamics of what abuse looks like and what they deserve in a healthy relationship.
KATIE RAY-JONES: As an organization, we made the decision to be innovative and to think of creative ways to ensure that we're reaching young people.
WOMAN: What do y'all think? It kind of...
KATIE RAY-JONES: We then began to hear from young girls who were talking about being in extremely physically abusive relationships. We began to offer services via text messaging to provide services to teens and young adults. It's the most private way for them to chat. No one can overhear their conversation. They're able to disclose what they want to disclose. They don't feel as vulnerable. We are in high demand, as are the services of local programs across the country. We're really trying to ensure that we're able to answer that call.
WOMAN: Hay varios programas en Chicago...
KATIE RAY-JONES: One of the challenges of the Hotline is we rarely know what happens to our caller and our chatter.
DANIELLE GINDELE: That is a little tough not being able to know what happens after the call when it's ended. But what I feel is really important is that they've gained that courage to reach out to someone. Just being able to empower someone is really important. I can leave a conversation and feel okay with it.
KATIE RAY-JONES: To a service where you can't make eye contact with someone, your voice is so powerful and important.
WOMAN: I really hope that you feel better soon.
KATIE RAY-JONES: We are restoring hope when someone who is surrounded by so much darkness is seeing, "My life maybe can look different than it looks right now."
MAN: Wow, it sounds like you're really isolated from any sort of support.
KATIE RAY-JONES: That is what "hope" is. It's really about what can we do to support them, whatever their decision is.
