Tech that Empowers: Unveiling updates to our text-to-chat service
Discover how the latest updates at the Center for Safety and Empowerment enhance 24/7 support provided to survivors of sexual and domestic violence, stalking, and human trafficking.
Since launching at the end of 2022, the CSE text-to-chat line has connected almost 100 survivors with Advocates at the YWCA Center for Safety and Empowerment. At first, the text line was only open a few hours per week. We’re excited to announce that texts are now monitored three days each week: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. And we have plans to expand further soon!
This text line meets a need for even more survivors seeking help and connects them with real-life CSE Advocates who can offer information, resources, and support. There are many reasons that survivors may choose to text, or feel more comfortable reaching out by text:
Survivors who feel unsafe verbalizing their needs or questions over the phone;
Survivors who are D/deaf or hard-of-hearing;
Adolescents and young adult survivors.
Anyone affected by intimate partner violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking can use this text line, along with our 24/7 free and confidential hotline, to safely contact CSE Advocates for help. It’s a simple way to ask a quick question, find a needed resource, or chat with someone who can help a survivor determine if they need to seek further assistance right away.
YWCA Northeast Kansas uses the online platform Tip411 to receive and respond to messages. This platform is used by several service providers throughout Kansas, and has the potential to advance further as an app. People can also text from their phone, but we urge caution as a text message could be seen by someone else who has access to that device. More details about the text-to-chat hotline and internet & communication safety can be found here.
Other recent updates at the Center for Safety and Empowerment
The Day Center continues to expand hours, providing a safe space for survivors of human trafficking and gender-based violence to rest, connect with an Advocate, and build community with other survivors.
Our rural office in Holton just added Nemaha County to its service area, which means that the YWCA Center for Safety and Empowerment now services five counties: Brown, Jackson, Nemaha, Shawnee, and Wabaunsee.
The CSE shelter just doubled in size, with a new location adding between 30 and 40 bed spaces.
About the YWCA Center for Safety and Empowerment:
As a member of the largest network of domestic violence service providers in the United States, the YWCA Center for Safety and Empowerment provides free, non-judgmental, comprehensive services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, stalking, and human trafficking in Shawnee, Jackson, Brown, Nemaha and Wabaunsee Counties. Services include our FREE and CONFIDENTIAL 24/7 helpline (888) 822-2983, case management and counseling, shelter services, the Day Center for Human Trafficking, and a text-line available Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 1 P.M. to 5 P.M. by texting YWCANEKS, followed by your message, to 847-411.