$15 Million Funding for National Indigenous Domestic Violence Helpline Allows ‘Vital Lifeline’ to Keep Operating

“It could be degrading name-calling or humiliation, or survivors of domestic abuse needing to talk about how a partner has isolated them from friends and family. At other times, they say they’re being physically harmed and lack the money to flee. Often, they simply need someone to share with who won’t judge them for being in an abusive relationship.

StrongHearts Native Helpline picks up the phone. An Indigenous “advocate” is on the other line, and the first task is to make certain the survivor of domestic violence is in a safe place. Then, they let the caller lead the way.

More than 12,000 callers of all ages from across the United States and Canada contact the helpline each year — this country’s only national helpline for Indigenous survivors of domestic violence. For many, it is their first time admitting they need help. They don’t know what to do or where to go.”