UPDATE: The New Mexico Sexual Assault Helpline has hit a significant milestone, receiving over 1,200 inquiries in its first year of operation. Established on October 21, 2024, the helpline serves as a crucial, free, and confidential resource for sexual assault survivors, available 24/7 via phone, text, or online chat.
Alexandria Taylor, executive director of the New Mexico Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs, announced that the helpline is functioning “exactly as it was designed.” This service has become a lifeline, particularly as isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the urgent need for support.
During the past year, the helpline managed 1,141 phone calls, 90 online chats, and 50 text messages from individuals across 25 counties in New Mexico. The contacts varied from brief interactions of 30 seconds to extensive discussions lasting up to two hours and 50 minutes.
“Many callers are reaching out for the first time, sharing their experiences of sexual assault,” Taylor emphasized. The helpline’s data reveals that approximately 80% of users were seeking someone to talk to, while 20% required referrals for services like counseling or sexual assault nurse examinations.
The coalition’s recent crime victimization survey disclosed that 54% of New Mexicans have experienced sexual assault or rape in their lifetimes, with 68% of those individuals not receiving professional help. These alarming statistics underline the critical role of the helpline in connecting survivors with support.
The helpline features a dedicated team of seven responders and two co-directors, all trained through a rigorous 120-hour program. Taylor noted that the responders come from diverse professional backgrounds, ensuring a wide range of expertise and empathy.
In a move to enhance accessibility, the helpline offers services in both English and Spanish, with additional language interpretation available. Importantly, the helpline prioritizes user privacy, operating without mandatory demographic questions and adhering to strict confidentiality standards.
As part of its anniversary celebration, the coalition has launched a public awareness campaign, featuring local actor Amanda Machon in engaging public service announcements. These videos encourage community members to share the helpline’s number, promoting a culture of support.
The coalition will host a public event on October 27, 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Tractor Brewing Wells Park in Albuquerque. This free event will allow attendees to learn more about the helpline and its services.
Looking ahead, the coalition aims to secure $1 million in recurring funding from the New Mexico Legislature to sustain the helpline’s efforts. Taylor stated, “We are not at a place yet where there’s going to be no sexual violence in New Mexico.”
The helpline’s impact is profound, enabling survivors to shift from isolation to connection, fostering a sense of community and support. As the celebration continues, it is clear that this resource is vital for many seeking help in New Mexico.
