Connect with Services
24/7 Hotline (434) 977-7273
The SARA Hotline offers free, confidential, 24-hour support to survivors of sexual violence and their friends and families, allied professionals, and the general public. Our 24/7 hotline is answered by hotline advocates at the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Action Alliance. The Action Alliance also operates a 24/7 text-line: 804-793-9999.
Language interpretation is available. Call 866-663-6482 for TTY services
What can I expect?
Every situation is unique, and it can be difficult to talk about. Once you let us know it’s safe to talk, we’ll ask if you can tell us a little more about what’s going on. The choice of what and how much to share is up to you. People reach out at different times in their situations, so advocates might ask questions about what options feel best for you. Together we can think through what’s most important and get you connected to resources that are the best fit.
Confidentiality is important. We do not record hotline calls and are not mandated reporters in Virginia. We do not share any information with others (like 911 or outside service providers) without your consent. Because we are a confidential hotline (with the ability for people to be anonymous) and want to uphold safety and security standards, advocates cannot confirm contacts, reach out to anyone without their consent, or be requested in court.
Connecting with Services through the Hotline
If you're interested in connecting with SARA services, the hotline operator may take a message to share with a full-time SARA advocate. A SARA advocate will follow-up with within 4-5 business days to share more information or set up a first meeting. You are welcome to provide as much or as little information as you'd like. In addition to your phone number, it's helpful for advocates to know:
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Your preferred contact method: phone, text, email
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If it's safe to leave a voicemail
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The county or city you are currently in (so we can connect you with local resources!)
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The best time of day to contact you
Hotline Disclosure: The Sexual Assault Resource Agency (SARA) strives to abide by the highest ethical standards regarding confidentiality. All communication with the hotline is strictly confidential to the extent permitted by law.
SARA does not record hotline calls. SARA does not release any identifying information about a caller, including to law enforcement or service providers, and will not confirm that a specific individual has/has not called the hotline unless the caller provides SARA with their explicit consent. SARA will use caller ID in rare circumstances when the caller is in imminent danger and is necessary to ensure the immediate safety of the caller or other person.
Our Hotline is available 24-hours a day, seven days a week for crisis intervention. Trained volunteers and staff treat callers with empathy and compassion and provide referrals for community resources and services.
Caller ID shall not be used specifically:
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To phone a caller back when they have discontinued the call abruptly.
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To phone prank or harassing callers.
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To phone callers back to inquire about how they are doing.
Office Line and Voicemail (434) 295-7273
The SARA office is open Monday-Friday from 9a-5pm. If you'd like to connect with us during business hours, please call our office and press option 2 to connect with advocacy or therapy services. You will be directed to a voicemail to leave a message. In addition to your phone number, it's helpful for advocates to know:
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Your preferred contact method: phone, text, email
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If it's safe to leave a voicemail
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The county or city you are currently in (so we can connect you with local resources!)
-
The best time of day to contact you
A SARA advocate will receive your message and follow-up with within 4-5 business days to share more information or set up a first meeting.
UVA Emergency Department
All survivors who present to the UVA emergency department for care following an assault will automatically connect with a SARA advocate at the hospital. For more information on medical accompaniment, please click here.