New Abuse Hotline

VINCENNES, IND.(WTHI) -      A southern Indiana county opens a new program to help victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse.

     Knox County's women's shelter shut down 3 years ago, a victim of budget cuts, but the issue of domestic violence did not go away.
     
     A new effort called Hope's Voice is now in operation to give those victims some place to turn.

In a back office at the Children's and Family Services, Marcie Arango is manning the newest program in Knox County to help victims of domestic abuse.

     It's called Hope's Voice and it began listening to the calls for help even before the red phone and the hotline were activated.

"We've had 18 clients that have come through the door that found us, but we officially kicked off Monday," said Arango.

     Community leaders say police handled over 600 calls for domestic abuse and sexual violence in this county and realized something needed to be done.

     "It is an underserved issue," explained Arango.  "It is a big issue.  There are many call a week to 911 that are family and domestic abuse."

     Hope's Voice does not include shelter services for abuse victims, but it does give them an important quick link to help.

     "This is a collaborative effort of social service agencies, of the faith based community, of legal services, our law enforcement and anyone else who has a stake in this pie which it really the entire community," said Arango.

     What Hope's Voice will do is put those in need of services directly into contact with those who provide them.

     "What we're doing is connecting with all of those groups and as men and women come in who are victims of domestic battery and sexual assault we connect with those services," she said.

     A program that will provide some hope for those who are victims in Knox County.

     Abuse victims needing help in Knox County can now call 812-899-4673.

     People wishing to volunteer to serve as advocates for victims or anyone wishing to make a donation can contact Hope's Voice at 812-899-0134.