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Reporting & Helplines


988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Provides free, confidential support 24/7 to anyone in crisis or emotional distress. If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, call the lifeline for help. A skilled, trained crisis worker will answer. This person will listen to you, provide support, and share any resources that may be helpful. Deaf/Hard of Hearing/ASL users can access the lifeline by going to the website and clicking “ASL Now.”
Always call 911 first for emergencies.
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or Text 988
Línea de Prevención del Suicidio y Crisis: (888) 628-9454
Main Website: 988lifeline.org
Suicide Prevention Resource Center (for Professionals): sprc.org

Blue Campaign

This national public awareness campaign is designed to educate the public, law enforcement and other industry partners on indicators of human trafficking and how to appropriately respond to possible cases. Blue Campaign works closely with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to increase detection of human trafficking and identify victims. Their website has helpful information on indicators of human trafficking and gender based violence, myths and misconceptions, how to report suspected human trafficking, and toolkits on how to respond for industry professionals in Schools, Churches, Hospitality, Law Enforcement, Retail, and Transportation.
Report Suspected Human Trafficking to Federal law enforcement: (866) 347-2423
Get Help from the National Human Trafficking Helpline: (888) 373-7888
Industry Professional Toolkits: dhs.gov/blue-campaign/materials/toolkits
dhs.gov/blue-campaign

Child Help National Child Abuse Hotline

Child Help is a national organization dedicated to eradicating child abuse and neglect. They operate two national hotlines:

  • National Child Abuse Hotline:  Counselors are available 24/7 to answer questions, provide resources, and talk through scary situations. The website has important information on identifying  different types of abuse and neglect; resources for parents, teens, and survivors; and reporting guidelines by state.
    Call or Text: (800) 422-4453
    childhelphotline.org
  • Courage First Athlete Helpline: Specialized sports crisis counselors are available Monday-Friday 12-8pm PST for athletes, parents, and coaches to receive confidential emotional support, athlete-focused resources, and guidance related to any type of abuse. The website has important information on athlete abuse organizations, recognizing appropriate versus inappropriate touch from coaches, handling disclosures, and more.
    Call or Text: (888) 279-1026
    athletehelpline.org

Organization Website: childhelp.org

Columbus Division of Police

Individuals can submit an offense report or accident report immediately through the online reporting system and print a copy of the police report for free. Their website also has information on other police services, recruitment, public safety, and press releases. Citizens can also file a complaint regarding police misconduct or excessive use of force.
Emergency: 911
Non-Emergency Police Services: (614) 645-4545
Columbus Police Service Desk: (614) 645-4760
Citizen Complaints: (614) 645-9600
Columbus Division of Police: columbus.gov/police
City of Columbus Inspector General: new.columbus.gov/Government/Inspector-General

Empower Our Youth Foundation

Offers a range of services for kids ages 5-17 to create a positive and nurturing environment for youth. Programs include a literacy and STEM academy, annual fashion and art shows, community give-back projects, social outings, and bullying prevention programs. They provide a safe space to assist with the reporting of bullying incidents to authorities, and their website has additional educational and anti-bullying resources for parents.
6600 Busch Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio 43229
(614) 512-6511
facebook.com/empowerouryouthfoundation

Franklin County Children Services (FCCS)

Individuals can report child abuse or neglect in Franklin County through their 24-hour child abuse hotline or visit the office in person. Emergency placement can be provided for at-risk children and teens. When appropriate, temporary placement with relatives, foster homes, or treatment centers are coupled with services to support family reunification and reduce the level of risk to the child. They also provide information about adoptable kids and the adoption process. View the 2024 FCCS Community Resource Guide.

  • Main Office: 855 West Mound Street, Columbus, Ohio 43223
    (614) 275-2571
  • Intake, Assessment and Investigations: 4071 East Main Street, Whitehall, Ohio 43213
    (614) 229-7100
  • Provider Agency Concerns: 855 West Mound Street, Columbus, Ohio 43223
    (614) 275-2621

24-hour Child Abuse Hotline: (614) 229-7000
General Questions: (614) 229-7100
childrenservices.franklincountyohio.gov

Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office Victim Witness Assistance Unit

Provides information and support to victims and witnesses navigating the criminal justice system. Assistants help victims in sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse, stalking, and homicide cases. The Juvenile Division helps victims in cases where the offender is a parent or caretaker. The Victim Witness Assistant located at The Center for Family Safety and Healing provides on-site assistance to victims of child abuse seen at the Center. The website has helpful information on the duties of Victim witness Assistants, Victim Rights, Offender Search tools, and more.
373 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
Adult Division: (614) 525-3555
Juvenile Division: (614) 525-4440
prosecutor.franklincountyohio.gov/criminal-division/victim-witness-unit

Lutheran Social Services (LSS) 211 Central Ohio

Faith-based organization providing a wide range of services across Ohio. Services include Faith Mission homeless shelter, food, health care, affordable senior living and domestic violence help. Visit the website for detailed program information and to find an office near you. The United Way/LSS 211 Information and Referral network can connect you to other social services across Franklin County.

  • LSS 211
    Call 211 or (614) 221-2255
    lssnetworkofhope.org/211centralohio
  • Central Ohio Main Office
    1105 Schrock Rd, Columbus, OH 43229
    (614) 228-5200
  • Food Pantries
    (614) 341-2282 or text ‘Food’ to (614) 702-7772
    Pantry Locations: lssnetworkofhope.org/foodpantries/locations
  • LSS Health Center: Offers primary care, dental, vision, HIV/STD testing, pharmacy, and behavioral health care.
    245 North Grant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
    (614) 224-0747
    lssnetworkofhope.org/lsshealthcenter
  • New to the US Resources
    Anyone can call 211 for help in English or 180 other languages.
    211.org/get-help/new-us
  • Faith Mission Homeless Shelter
    Must call Homeless Hotline in advance to be assigned a bed: (614) 274-7000
    General: (614) 224-6617
    217 North Grant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
    Men’s Shelter: 599 East Eighth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43201
  • CHOICES Domestic Violence Services: Offers temporary housing, counseling, legal services, and peer support.
    24-hour Domestic Violence Crisis Line: (614) 224-4663
    General: (614) 224-7200
    lssnetworkofhope.org/choices/services
  • Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF): Serves veterans in need of housing stability.
    (614) 224-6617

lssnetworkofhope.org

MY Project USA

A faith-based organization working to protect and empower youth and families in underprivileged neighborhoods. They offer a food pantry, parent education, and community events. Their website has educational resources for parents on internet safety, abuse, and more. Youth programming includes a reading program for grades 1-9, youth soccer league, and free counseling and mentoring. The MY Helpline is a referral service for survivors and victims of gangs, trafficking, drugs, domestic violence, sexual abuse, and violence in Central Ohio.
3275 Sullivant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43204
(614) 905-0977
MY Helpline: (614) 971-9375
myprojectusa.org

National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC)

The nation’s largest child protection organization with many programs and resources for exploited and vulnerable children and families:

  • Missing Children: Find resources on what to do if your child goes missing, and a searchable database of AMBER Alerts and missing child posters to help locate your child. NCMEC can assist with reunification, and families may qualify for transportation at low or no cost to them once their children are recovered. Call the 24/7 Tipline for help.
    (800) 843-5678
    What to Do If Your Child Is Missing: missingkids.org/gethelpnow/isyourchildmissing
    Search for Missing Children: missingkids.org/gethelpnow/search
  • CyberTipline: A centralized reporting system for the online exploitation of children. Anyone can call or go online 24/7 to report a missing child, child enticement, pornography, sexual abuse, trafficking, or misleading internet content.
    (800) 843-5678
    report.cybertip.org
  • Take It Down: A service that can help remove online nude or explicit photos from the internet that were taken before the age of 18.
    takeitdown.ncmec.org
  • Team HOPE: Matches individuals and families who have experienced sexual exploitation with trained, lived-experience peer volunteers to provide compassionate support.
    (866) 305-4673
    missingkids.org/gethelpnow/support/teamhope
  • Family Advocacy Outreach Network: Can help families find resources like specialized mental health therapists and attorneys.
    (877) 446-2632
  • Education: The website has important information and printable educational materials on topics like recovering from abuse, support for siblings and family members, Autism and wandering, family abduction, sextortion, and more. NCMEC provides professional safety trainings, such as Code ADAM. NetSmartz is a website for middle and high schoolers with fun resources, videos, and games on healthy relationships and internet safety.
    NetSmartz: missingkids.org/NetSmartz/home

Main Website: missingkids.org/home

National Human Trafficking Hotline

This 24/7 national, toll-free hotline provides confidential support for victims of human trafficking every day of the year. Call to get help, report a tip, or get connected to more resources and information. The hotline is available by phone call, text, TTY, or online chat. The website also has great information on recognizing human trafficking, safety planning, and a National Human Trafficking Referral Directory to find services near you.
Call the 24/7 Hotline: (888) 373-7888
Text “BEFREE” or “HELP” to 233733
TTY: 711
humantraffickinghotline.org

National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW)

The U.S Department of Justice provides the public with access to nationwide sex offender data. Use the NSOPW online search tool to find registered offenders using name or location. The website has information about sexual abuse/assault, recognizing potential warning signs, how to respond, and resources on violence prevention. If you have been sexually assaulted, help is available. Call your local police or contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at (800) 656-4673.
nsopw.gov

Ohio Children’s Trust Fund (OCTF)

Provides statewide advocacy, funding, and educational resources for parents and professionals to prevent child abuse and neglect. Programs include Parent Cafe support groups for parents and free online positive parenting class (Triple P). Browse their website for informational articles related to parenting.
(614) 387-5478 or (614) 722-5305
To report child abuse in Ohio: (855) 642-4453
Triple P: Positive Parenting Program
Central Ohio Website: Regional Prevention Councils/Central
Ohio Children’s Trust Fund Website: octf.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/octf

Polaris Project

National, survivor-centered movement to end human trafficking. They operate the National Human Trafficking Hotline, which provides immediate support across the United States 24/7. The Resilience Fund offers direct cash assistance as available, to survivors selected through their application process (currently closed until June 2024). Their website has important information on recognizing and ending human trafficking and modern day slavery; myths, facts, and statistics; and advocacy opportunities.
General Information: (202) 790-6300
National Human Trafficking Hotline: Call (888) 373-7888 or Text “BEFREE” to 233733
polarisproject.org

RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)

The nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization. They operate the National Sexual Assault Hotline, which provides free, confidential support 24/7 through their phone line, online chat, or RAINN mobile app. They also offer an online service provider search tool to find sexual assault mental health providers and organizations by zip code. RAINN also offers educational and professional trainings. Their website has important information on state laws, safety for parents, warning signs in children and teens, bystander intervention, consent, and much more.
24/7 National Sexual Assault Hotline: (800) 656-4673
24/7 National Sexual Assault Online Chat: hotline.rainn.org/online
Sexual Assault Service Provider Tool: centers.rainn.org
Main Website: rainn.org

Sexual Assault Response Network of Central Ohio (SARNCO)

Provides advocacy and emotional support services in conjunction with medical and social services at OhioHealth Emergency Departments and other local facilities in central Ohio. The 24-hour free, confidential local rape helpline offers emotional support, counseling referrals and education for victims of sexual assault, rape, abuse and incest. The Aftercare Advocacy program helps survivors access additional community resources, with legal reporting, and safety planning.
1299 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, Ohio 43212
24-Hour Hotline: (614) 267-7020 or (844) 644-6435
Aftercare Advocacy : (614) 788-4739
ohiohealth.com/community-health/sarnco

Stop It Now!

National organization committed to preventing child sexual abuse. Their website has information on internet safety, youth struggling with harmful sexual behaviors, healthy sexual development, reporting abuse, and more. Their Helpline provides free, confidential support and information to adults concerned about child sex abuse by phone or online Monday-Friday. Youth ages 14-21 can use the WhatsOK Helpline and website.
Stop It Now Helpline: (888) 773-8368
stopitnow.org/get-immediate-help
What’s OK Helpline (Ages 14-21): Call (888) 942-8765 or Text (888) 532-0550
whatsok.org/ask



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