The Pentagon launched the Safe Helpline, a free, anonymous, and confidential resource to support victims of sexual assault. “The underreporting of sexual assault poses a serious challenge to military readiness,” said Clifford Stanley, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness. “We believe the Safe Helpline will provide [Defense Department] sexual assault victims with a variety of support outlets, which will lead victims to report sexual assault, seek needed information, and receive care.” The helpline is open 24 hours a day, every day. There are three access options: a Website with a secure instant messaging system, a toll-free hotline to speak with staff or be transferred to an installation-based sexual assault response coordinator, and use of one’s mobile communications device to text one’s location to receive automated contact information for a local SARC. (DOD release, including detailed contact information for seeking assistance)
We looked back on the past 12 months to find the stories that resonated the most with you, our audience, and these 10 topped the list. Maybe you missed one the first time around, or perhaps you’d like to revisit a favorite.