Columbus OH
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Reporting & Helplines

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

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 call 988 videophone.
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

Where’s The Line?

Provides education on how to identify and appropriately address signs of family violence and abuse. Bystanders can anonymously and confidentially receive answers and advice by phone, text, or the online chat feature. The Information Coordinator is available to assist 10AM to 6PM, Monday through Friday. The website has helpful information for parents on how to practice positive discipline and professionals can request family violence educational trainings.
655 East Livingston Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43205
Call: (844) 234-5463
Text: 87028
wherestheline.info

Abused Deaf Women’s Advocacy Services (ADWAS)

Serves Deaf and DeafBlind survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and harassment. They provide services in Washington state and staff the 24/7 National Deaf Hotline, which provides confidential education, safety planning, and referrals. The Deaf Hotline website has great information and training modules in ASL on topics like deaf culture and domestic violence, healthy relationships, consent, how to support loved ones, and more.

  • ADWAS Office: 8623 Roosevelt Way Northeast, Seattle, Washington 98115
    (206) 922-7088
    adwas.org
  • 24/7 Deaf Domestic Violence Hotline: (855) 812-1001 VP
    thedeafhotline.org

ASHA Ray of Hope

Provides culturally-sensitive support, services, and advocacy for women and children facing domestic abuse, whose country of origin is Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, or Sri Lanka. Victims of domestic violence from all countries can call their 24/7 Help Line for support and referrals. Other services include crisis intervention, case management, court and legal advocacy, interpretation services, and a survivor support group.
4900 Reed Road, Columbus, Ohio 43220
24/7 Helpline: (614) 565-2918
Office: (614) 326-2121
asharayofhope.org

Buckeye Region Anti-Violence Organization (BRAVO)

Provides resources and confidential support for LGBTQ+ survivors of hate and bias violence, relationship violence, stalking, and other forms of violence. They have walk-in hours on Wednesdays and Fridays, and offer a live helpline on weekdays. You can also text or email the organization with questions. BRAVO also offers trainings for professionals and service survivors. Their website has many resources for survivors in Ohio and nationwide.
King-Lincoln Medical Center 750 East Long Street, Columbus, Ohio 43203
Helpline: (866) 862-7286
Text an advocate: (614) 333-1907
bravo.equitashealth.org

Center for New Beginnings Shelter & Services

Serves: Single Adults & Families
Provides free, confidential, and supportive services for community members in Licking County who are victims of domestic violence. Services include emergency food and shelter, case management, assistance with Civil Protection Orders, peer support and therapeutic groups, and a confidential 24-hour crisis line for questions or those in immediate danger.
195 Union Street, Newark, Ohio 43055
(740) 349-8719
24-hour Crisis Line: (800) 686-2760
thewoodland.org/center-for-new-beginnings

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

DWAVE (Deaf World Against Violence Everywhere)

Serves Ohio’s Deaf, Deaf Blind, Deaf Disabled, and Hard of Hearing communities by offering culturally affirmative services in response to relationship and sexual violence. Call to speak to a trained advocate for individualized safety planning and case management. Referrals can be placed for material help, legal help, social services, and mental health counseling. They offer 24-hour advocacy for survivors of sexual assault at local hospital emergency rooms. They also hold trainings for volunteer advocates, professionals/providers working with Deaf clients, and Deaf Culture 101.
PO Box 1286, Worthington, Ohio 43085
Videophone: (614) 678-5476
Voice/Text: (614) 887-7233
National Deaf Hotline VP: (855) 812-1001
National 24/7 Domestic Violence Hotline Voice: (800) 799-7233
dwaveohio.org

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
empowerouryouthfoundation.org

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 Court of Common Pleas Division of Domestic Relations & Juvenile Branch

Handles all domestic relations matters, including protection for victims of domestic violence, for juvenile citizens. They offer a variety of mediation services to help settle matters without a full legal trial, Civil Protection Orders (CPO’s) / Juvenile Protection Orders (JPO’s), interpreters, Self Represented Resource Center (SRRC) for those who do not have the financial resources to retain private counsel, and more. Their Youth Education and Intervention Services Department works to divert youth from further involvement with the  Juvenile Justice System through prevention, intervention and treatment services. Go online to find program details, FAQs, and legal forms.
373 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
Administration: (614) 525-3628
drj.fccourts.org
Phone Directory: drj.fccourts.org/DRJ.aspx?PN=Quick_Phone_Directory.htm

Local Police Agencies

If you are experiencing an emergency, call 911 immediately. Police Department Non-Emergency Numbers can be used for non-emergency requests and questions regarding public safety and police services.

*Calls handled by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Radio Room: (614) 525-3333

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.

lssnetworkofhope.org

Lutheran Social Services (LSS) CHOICES for Victims of Domestic Violence

CHOICES is the primary shelter in Franklin County for victims of domestic violence. In addition to offering a temporary emergency shelter, they also have a 24-hour crisis hotline, domestic violence counseling, legal advocates and peer support groups for people who are escaping intimate partner violence. The shelter, which is at an undisclosed location, offers state-of-the-art security and pet enclosures, removing a barrier for victims who don’t want to leave their pet with their abuser.
Mailing Address: 1105 Schrock Rd, Columbus, OH 43229
Administrative Line: (614) 228-5200
24-hour Domestic Violence Crisis Line: (614) 224-4663
lssnetworkofhope.org/choices

National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH)

Provides free and confidential help, information, and referrals for those impacted by domestic violence. Their website provides information on how to identify abuse, safety plan, how to support someone you know experiencing abuse, and resources for perpetrators. They also have resources for finding providers near you, legal help, and specialized programs for the deaf or hard of hearing, teens and young adults, and Native Americans.

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

Nationwide Children’s Hospital (NCH) Green Flags

Program from The Center of Family Safety and Healing at Nationwide Children’s Hospital (NCH) helping teens build and sustain healthy relationships. Green Flags seeks to flip the conversation on teen dating abuse by focusing on the qualities of a healthy relationship. Visit the website to find helpful information on teen dating topics like relationship myths, sex and consent, and digital rights. Victims of teen dating abuse can find help and resources on safety planning. Anyone call call, text or chat with the Green Flags Pro team with questions about relationship concerns.
655 East Livingston Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43205
Call: (844) 234-5463
Text: (844) 283-3393
greenflags.info

Ohio Attorney General Victims of Crime Compensation Program

Provides financial help to innocent victims of violent crimes (including domestic violence, sexual assault and homicide). Payments can cover medical expenses, counseling and lost wages. The application can be submitted online.
30 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(800) 282-0515
ohioattorneygeneral.gov/Individuals-and-Families/Victims/Apply-for-Victims-Compensation.aspx

Ohio Domestic Violence Network (ODVN)

Support and strengthen Ohio’s response to domestic violence through training, public awareness, and technical assistance and to promote social change through the implementation of public policy. Their website provides a lot of information and community resources. Call their free information line for a referral or information about domestic violence.
1855 East Dublin-Granville, Suite 301, Columbus, Ohio 43229
(614) 781-9651 or (800) 934-9840 Toll-free
odvn.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 Local Hotline: (614) 267-7020
Aftercare Advocacy : (614) 788-4739
ohiohealth.com/community-health/sarnco

Turning Point

Serves: Single Adults & Families
Provides temporary shelter for victims/survivors of domestic violence and their children, food, transportation, individual and group education and support; as well as advocacy support and a crisis line that provides victims with supportive listening, information and referral resources and access to agency services. All services are free of charge and confidential. They serve primarily domestic violence victims and their families in Crawford, Delaware, Marion, Morrow, Union and Wyandot Counties.
PO Box 875, Marion, Ohio 43301
24-Hour Hotline: (800) 232-6505 or (740) 382-8988 or text “turningpoint”, “turning point”, “tphelp” or “turning” to 20121
turningpoint6.org


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