Survivors of sexual assault and relationship violence now have a free way to talk to a trained advisor at any time of day and from anywhere in Ohio. 

The statewide toll-free helpline received a $1.2 million grant from the state, and will be operated byOhioHealth, a network of hospitals in central Ohio.

Adrienne Estes is a rape survivor who鈥檚 been an advocate for victim services for years. She says the 24/7 component to the helpline is vital.

鈥淵ou can鈥檛 choose when you鈥檙e going to have a crises. For me it was always like at four in the morning you didn鈥檛 want to call your best friend you didn鈥檛 want to wake your mom up and you needed to talk to someone right then and there and knowing that there was that number to call was super helpful,鈥� said Estes.

Backers say the helpline isn鈥檛 just about reporting an assault but handling physical or emotional issues that come up in the long-term.

The number to call is 844-OHIO-HELP. That鈥檚 844-644-6435.

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