Sexual Assault Support for the DoD Community
DoD Safe Helpline is the Department of Defense’s (DoD) sole hotline for members of the DoD community affected by sexual assault. Safe Helpline is a completely anonymous, confidential, 24/7, specialized service—providing help and information anytime, anywhere. A Safe Helpline user can access one-on-one support, peer-to-peer support, information, resources, and self-care exercises to aid in their recovery. Since 2011, Safe Helpline has provided support and resources to thousands of Service members, their families, and other members of the military community.
Safe Helpline is available worldwide and is operated by RAINN, a national anti-sexual violence organization, through a contract with the DoD Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office (DoD SAPRO). Safe Helpline works closely with DoD SAPRO, each of the Military Department SAPR offices and the installation-based SAPR programs to ensure that all Safe Helpline users receive the information, support, and care they need at every stage of their healing process.
Who can use Safe Helpline?
The Safe Helpline is available to the DoD community consistent with DoD SAPR Policy, including:
- Adult Service members in the Active Duty, National Guard, and Reserve Components as well as Coast Guard and transitioning Service members, and their dependents 18 years of age and older;
- DoD civilian employees and their family dependents 18 years of age and older when they are stationed or performing duties outside of the United States;
- U.S. citizen DoD contractor personnel when they are authorized to accompany Armed Forces in a contingency operation outside of the United States;
Adult military dependent sexual assault victims who are assaulted by a spouse or intimate partner and military dependent sexual assault victims who are 17 years of age and younger are supported through the Family Advocacy Program (FAP). Due to the anonymity of the Safe Helpline hotline service, no questions to confirm eligibility are asked prior to providing support. Therefore, anyone contacting Safe Helpline will receive crisis intervention support by Safe Helpline staff. If, during the conversation, an individual indicates that they are not affiliated with the DoD, and not eligible for Safe Helpline services, hotline staff can provide appropriate civilian or military resources.
How to connect with Safe Helpline?
Users have multiple ways to get live, confidential, one-on-one support.
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Call 877-995-5247 from anywhere in the world for 24/7 help. |
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Access a secure instant-messaging platform at SafeHelpline.org. The website contains information about how to report and recover from a sexual assault and information for transitioning Service members. |
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Connect with other survivors of sexual assault in the military in a moderated and secure online environment at Safehelpline.org. |
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Download the DoD Safe Helpline app for free on the App Store or in the Google Play Store to create a personalized self-care plan, to access supportive exercises, or to call the Safe Helpline with just a WIFI connection. |
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Text your Zip code or installation/base name to 55-247 (in the U.S.) or +1 571-470-5546 (outside the U.S.), or search at SafeHelpline.org to find your local Sexual Assault Response Coordinator and other sources of help on-base. |
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Visit SafeHelpline.org/education for free courses with information about how to recover from a sexual assault or how to support a friend or colleague. |
How can I talk about Safe Helpline on my base/installation?
Order or download posters, postcards, brochures, communication toolkits and more from DoD Safe Helpline by visiting shop.safehelpline.org.
Why was Safe Helpline established?
Safe Helpline was established to ensure that the DoD community has access to information and confidential, anonymous support on the path to healing from sexual assault.
What do I do if I experience retaliation?
If you believe you have experienced or witnessed retaliation in any form from a peer, supervisor, or someone in your chain of command following a report of sexual assault, you can share the retaliation allegations with SAPRO using this form.
If you would like to submit a retaliation report, please report directly to the Department of Defense Inspector General (DoD IG) here.
For members of the Coast Guard who have experienced retaliation, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) IG will accept retaliation complaints as falling within the scope of their responsibilities for Whistleblower protection. Coast Guard Members who have experienced retaliation can contact the DHS IG by calling 1-800-323-8603 (toll-free) or access the Allegation Form online.