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Chat with Us
Safe Horizon client advocates are now available by chat to offer information, advocacy and support to people who have been impacted by violence, crime, and abuse.
You can chat with an advocate during our business hours by clicking the chat button at the bottom right of this page.
The chat button will only be visible during SafeChat hours of operation: currently Mon. – Fri. 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. If you are visiting this page outside of SafeChat hours of operation, the chat button will not be visible. Our Hotline is still available 24/7 and our Helpline is available 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Visit our Hotlines page for more information.
What is SafeChat?
SafeChat is a one-on-one chat session with a Safe Horizon client advocate trained in supporting those who have experienced violence, crime, and abuse in New York City. Advocates can talk to you about your situation, ask questions and help you explore your options. Advocates can also provide information and referrals, as well as help connect you to other Safe Horizon programs.
How Do I Contact SafeChat?
Safe Horizon is currently piloting SafeChat Mon. – Fri. 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., except for holidays.
We hope to be expanding our hours of operation soon. SafeChat is currently only available in English. For help in another language, please call our hotlines.
If you need to speak to an advocate outside of SafeChat hours, please call our 24/7 Hotline at 1-800-621-HOPE (4673). If this is an emergency, please call 911.
What Should I Expect During a SafeChat Session?
Once you are ready to chat with an advocate, click on the chat button at the bottom right during SafeChat’s hours of operation. This will enlarge the chat window. Clicking on “Chat Now” will take you to a pre-chat survey. All questions in the survey are optional. These questions are so we know how to refer to you during the chat as well as a safe number or email to contact you in case you are disconnected from the advocate during your chat.
Once you have submitted the pre-chat survey, you will either be connected directly to an advocate if one is available, or you will be placed in a virtual waiting room. The waiting room provides information regarding what number you are in the queue as well as an estimated wait time. It is important you stay on this page while you are in the queue to avoid losing your place in line. Some phones may have settings that cause the phone to time out if it is inactive for a certain amount of time. This may cause you to lose your place in the queue.
Safety Alert
If you need to exit this website in a hurry, click the red button that says “Quickly Exit This Site” twice.
If you need more information about safe browsing and internet use, click here.
At the end of each chat session, please remember to clear your cache so that anyone who might gain access to your device is unable to view your interactions with Safe Horizon.
Privacy Policy
Safe Horizon seeks to maintain the confidentiality of SafeChat conversations and limits disclosure as stated in its SafeChat Privacy Policy. However, there may be special cases where we disclose your information outside of Safe Horizon; for instance, if we fear you may do harm to yourself or others, we learn a child may be harmed or the law requires us to disclose your information. The SafeChat service is not intended for use by anyone under the age of thirteen (13) and is not professional medical care, mental health care, or legal advice.
By accessing SafeChat you agree to the SafeChat Terms & Conditions of Use and the SafeChat Privacy Policy.
Additional Resources
Make It Happen is a program for young men of color who have experienced community violence and aims to provide participants with the necessary tools to overcome trauma and reach their goals. Visit their site here. For information on community violence and trauma click here.
Neighbors in Action (formerly known as the Crown Heights Community Mediation Center) is a unique neighborhood institution in Brooklyn, New York, with the goal of building safer and healthier communities. Visit Neighbors in Action here.
Trauma can make it difficult for survivors to access the services they need. For more information, click here.
