New Mexico Sexual Assault Helpline Marks Anniversary with 1,200 Calls

UPDATE: The New Mexico Sexual Assault Helpline has just celebrated its first anniversary, responding to over 1,200 inquiries since its launch on October 21, 2024. This significant milestone confirms the helpline’s critical role in supporting survivors across the state.

Officials report that the helpline has received 1,141 phone calls, 90 online chats, and 50 text messages in its inaugural year. Alexandria Taylor, executive director of the New Mexico Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs, emphasizes that the helpline “is working exactly as it was designed.” This free, confidential service is available 24/7 for survivors to reach out via phone, text, or online chat.

As the helpline commemorates this milestone, it also highlights the urgent need for such services. A 2024 crime victimization survey revealed that 54% of New Mexicans have experienced sexual assault or rape in their lifetime, with 68% not receiving any professional help. Taylor stated, “For some, the decision to call the helpline may be their first time ever saying that this experience happened to them.”

The helpline’s data shows that approximately 80% of those who reached out were simply looking for someone to talk to, while 20% sought referrals for services like counseling or medical examinations. Rachel Cox, deputy director of programs, explained that the data indicates a strong need for connection and support among survivors.

The helpline operates with a dedicated team of seven responders and two co-directors, all of whom have completed 120 hours of training. They come from diverse backgrounds including nursing and grief work, ensuring a compassionate approach to every call. The service is available in both English and Spanish, with options for additional language interpretation.

In a move to enhance privacy, callers are not required to provide personal data, adhering to strict confidentiality laws. Taylor reassured users that conversations are not recorded and that no artificial intelligence is involved in the response process, ensuring that every interaction is genuine and human.

To mark its anniversary, the New Mexico Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs launched a public awareness campaign featuring local actor Amanda Machon. The campaign includes engaging public service announcements and a unique coaster program for restaurants, aimed at spreading the message that the helpline is available for everyone.

The coalition will host a celebration event on October 27, 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Tractor Brewing Wells Park in Albuquerque. This free event invites the community to learn more about the helpline and its services.

Looking ahead, the coalition plans to advocate for $1 million in recurring funding from the New Mexico Legislature to ensure the helpline’s sustainability. Taylor emphasized the importance of ongoing support, stating, “We’re not at a place yet where there’s going to be no sexual violence in New Mexico.”

As the helpline continues to grow, it provides a vital resource for survivors, helping them transition from isolation to connection, and fostering a sense of community and support in a time of need.