Auburn University’s Safe Harbor program now has its helpline available for 24 hours a day. According to Rachel Jones, the program coordinator, Safe Harbor is an advocacy program housed in the Office of Health Promotion and Wellness Services.
It provides confidential support for students and employees who have experienced stalking, dating violence, domestic violence or sexual assault.
The option had always been here, but it is now available for 24-hour access. According to Eric Smith, the director of health promotion and wellness services, the department chose full day availability to remove as many barriers for students as possible in utilizing its resources.
The number to the helpline is 334-844-SAFE (7233).
“The helpline adds value to the program, because if a student wants to call us at 8:30 at night with questions or to know a resource that is time sensitive, so maybe if they want to go to the hospital, they need to know at that moment if they are ready to do that," Smith said. "So we just have more access to sharing information, and I think that makes our program more valuable to students and staff."
According to Jones the 24/7 service began on Aug. 1. She said that since students are usually up studying and doing things after the 8-5 hour schedule, the new hours will give students expanded opportunity for the right moment of need.
“I love that Auburn has its own advocacy program like Safe Harbor verses a lot of schools who only have what the community has to offer," said Amanda Fishman, graduate assistant for health and wellness promotions and Safe Harbor advocate. "So the fact the Auburn has something very specific for their students is just so extremely beneficial and helpful, and I think it really sets the standard for other universities. And now that we have it for 24 hours makes it that much better."
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