28-04-2025
Sexual Assault Helpline sees influx of calls across the state
NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – About 1.1 million, or 56%, of New Mexicans have experienced sexual violence in their lifetime, but less than 25% of them have sought help, according to the New Mexico Crime Victimization Report. To narrow the gap, six months ago, the NM Coalition for Sexual Assault Programs launched a lifeline.
'After some years of development and intentional design, we are doubling calls over each month to now be having served and responded to 302 contacts in these first six months,' shared Deputy Director of the NM Coalition for Sexual Assault Programs, Rachel Cox.
Over 75% of New Mexicans affected by sexual assault are not making it to help. 'We are aware that sexual assault is such a hard thing to talk about. And the culture that allows for sexual violence to exist at such large rates in our state thrives in silence and in invisibility,' emphasized Executive Director of the NM Coalition for Sexual Assault Programs, Alexandria Taylor.
Study shows over 1.1 million New Mexicans sexual violence survivors
The help line, which offers phone, text, and online support to survivors across the state, is seeing an influx of calls. 'The New Mexico sexual assault helpline is adding a layer of capacity to our statewide sexual assault services that already exist. And at this point, we've reached over half of the counties in New Mexico,' said Cox.
With an average call time of about 17 minutes per call, the coalition is sending a message to survivors across the state saying, 'You are not alone' and 'Help is right there at your fingertips.'
'People can carry their stories so often in isolation, and what the helpline offers, and I hope will offer into the future, is a place where it reframes how people carry their story,' shared Cox.
The New Mexico Sexual Assault Helpline is able to provide interpretation services for several languages, including Spanish, French, Arabic, and Vietnamese.
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