SACHA launches confidential online chatting and texting support line

The Sexual Assault Centre of Hamilton and Area (SACHA) has launched a confidential online chatting and texting support service for survivors of all genders, 16 years and older.

The move comes after an increase of almost 100 per cent in calls to SACHA’s 24hour support line in the past two years.

The new online chatting and text support provides people with an additional option to the support line. “We are thrilled to be able to create new support services to meet the needs of survivors. Online chatting and texting can address barriers survivors face in reaching out for assistance,” SACHA director Lenore Lukasik-Foss said in a release.

The new service operates Mondays, 6 p.m. to midnight, and Fridays, 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Access through SACHA’s website at sacha.ca or by texting 647-977-5908.

The service is a pilot project through the Ontario Coalition of Rape Crisis Centres until December, but SACHA hopes to make it permanent.