StrongHearts Native Helpline (1-844-762-8483) is a 24/7 confidential, anonymous and culturally-appropriate domestic, dating and sexual violence helpline for Native Americans. StrongHearts advocates offer the following services at no cost:

• peer support and advocacy
• information and education about domestic violence and sexual violence
• personalized safety planning
• crisis intervention
• referrals to Native-centered domestic violence and sexual violence service providers
• basic information about health options
• support finding a local health facility or crisis center that is trained to care for survivors of sexual assault and offers services like sexual assault forensic exams
• general information about jurisdiction and legal advocacy referrals

American Indian and Alaska Native women suffer some of the highest rates of violence and murder in the United States, a crisis that has diminished the honored status of women and safety in tribal communities. In spite of the high rates of violence experienced by AI/AN persons, only a small percentage reached out for assistance to The Hotline at the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

In 2012, The Hotline began discussing this issue with staff from the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center (NIWRC) a Native-led nonprofit organization dedicated to ending violence against Native women and children. Together, they developed a program concept for a Native hotline developed by and run by Native advocates to support tribal communities across the United States. With input from tribal leaders, a Native women’s council, domestic violence experts, and the Family Violence Prevention and Services Program, the two organizations began laying the groundwork to develop a Native-centered hotline staffed by advocates with a strong understanding of Native cultures, as well as issues of tribal sovereignty and law.

Their vision became a reality with the creation of the StrongHearts Native Helpline (StrongHearts) in March 2017, made possible by support from the Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Family and Youth Services Bureau, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Verizon. StrongHearts is a culturally-appropriate, anonymous, confidential service dedicated to serving Native American survivors of domestic violence and concerned family members and friends. By dialing 1-844-7NATIVE (1-844-762-8483), nationwide 24/7, callers can connect at no cost one-on-one with knowledgeable StrongHearts advocates who can provide lifesaving tools and immediate support to enable survivors to find safety and live lives free of abuse.

StrongHearts is a partnered effort, combining the technology and infrastructure of The Hotline with NIWRC’s expertise and community connections, as well as the trust of Native advocacy groups. StrongHearts staff serve on the NIWRC team.

Download | StrongHearts 2020 Year End Report

StrongHearts Native Helpline is seeking qualified applicants for several positions. Competitive pay, generous vacation package, 100% employer-paid health insurance including vision and dental available after the first 60 days, and retirement plan available after one year. Visit our careers page to learn more.

National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center: The National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center, Inc. (NIWRC) is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to restoring the sovereignty of Native nations and safeguarding Native women and their children. The NIWRC supports culturally grounded, grassroots advocacy and provides national leadership to ending gender-based violence in indigenous communities through the development of educational materials and programs, direct technical assistance and the development of local and national policy that builds the capacity of Indigenous communities and strengthens the exercise of tribal sovereignty. | niwrc.org

The National Domestic Violence Hotline: The National Domestic Violence Hotline is a nonprofit organization established in 1996 as a component of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Operating around the clock, seven days a week, confidential and free of cost, the National Domestic Violence Hotline provides lifesaving tools and immediate support to enable victims to find safety and live lives free of abuse. Callers to The Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) can expect highly trained, experienced advocates to offer compassionate support, crisis intervention information and referral services in more than 170 languages. | thehotline.org

The Family Violence Prevention and Services Program (FVPSA): The Family Violence Prevention and Youth Services Act was signed into law as part of the Child Abuse Amendments of 1984. For over 30 years, FVPSA has served as the primary federal funding stream dedicated to the support of emergency shelter and supportive services for victims of domestic violence and their dependents. It has also provided support in the form of an annual grant to the National Domestic Violence Hotline since 1996, most recently with an earmark in the FY2016 Enacted Appropriations Bill, a portion of which was specifically for developing a tribal hotline. FVPSA is located in the Family Youth Services Bureau (FYSB), a division of the Administration on Children, Youth and Families in the Administration for Children and Families. | learnaboutfvpsa.com