Victims of domestic violence anywhere in Iowa have a new outlet for help anytime of the day. Sara Eastman is director of the Iowa Domestic Violence Helpline……
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The helpline is believed to be the only one of its kind in the country. Most of the agencies around the state that help survivors of domestic violence have a local crisis line, but at certain times of the day, those calls may go unanswered….
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Calls to the helpline are free. The call center is located in Sioux Center and is funded by a grant awarded by the Iowa Attorney General’s office.
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The number is 1-800-770-1650. The staff members are trained to handle everything from crisis situations to counseling. Eastman says the statewide helpline could be especially beneficial to victims living in rural areas — as they may be hesitant to call their local program out of fear the person on the other end of the line will recognize them.