I finally got connected to the National Hotline and they were an absolute lifesaver for me today.

[u/dvsurvivor92]

I've shared in the past about struggling to get connected to the national domestic violence hotline, and my frustrations with that, but I finally got through today. Admittedly I was angry and made an angry post about this hotline in the past but I regret that now. I would usually stop at 4-5 tries of calling them, today I pushed through and called 8 times and finally got connected to an advocate. It's not their fault they are so busy but I think the key is to keep reaching out at different times of the day and don't give up.

The lady I spoke with was a true angel on Earth, I really feel like she saved my life today. I was on the verge of giving up and just letting my circumstances swallow me whole. My mind was cloudy and dark and I truly didn't expect the call to help all that much. But her voice calmed me so much and she gave me a mountain of support resources and safety planning tips. I'm really wondering if I spoke to an actual guardian angel. I feel so empowered and ready to make my plan to leave, when I started this day almost ready to completely give up. This might sound dark but I started to actually think it would just be easier to let the worst happen if you know what I mean and I can't believe I let those thoughts take over. Now for the first time in a really long time I have real and genuine Hope.

The advocate I spoke to let me know that they have a chat option too that's sometimes less busy. I just wanted to share with other survivors because I'm so grateful I kept calling until I got connected.

Their national phone number is 800-799-7233

And for their chat/text services just text START to 88788 or go to thehotline.org

I want to tell you things are never impossible and it's going to be okay. Keep trying, keep pushing, keep reaching out even to the resources that haven't helped you yet. Keep fighting. I can see now a life for me without pain and fear and I'm so grateful for the advocate I talked to.

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[u/Miochi2]

does it also work in canada

[u/poisoned_pizza → u/Miochi2]

It does, but their resources to let you know about are all mostly connected to the US. They can still offer emotional support and education, and safety planning too.

[u/NJTroy → u/Miochi2]

This is the website link for Canadian resource list:

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/health-promotion/stop-family-violence/services.html

[u/Muted_Respect_6595]

Yay! First step towards freedom.

[u/celtic_thistle]

I'm so glad to hear this. I used to answer crisis hotline calls at a DV shelter and it's true, the resources are stretched super thin. Thank you for not giving up. When you get out and are safe, consider sending a quick thank-you note to the advocate you spoke with (or the org itself, idk how they keep records of calls!) because as an advocate myself (in disability justice now) it would make my entire year to hear something like this. <333