Individual Counseling

Have the survivor call the CHOICES 24-hour hotline at (614) 224-4663. A hotline worker will conduct a phone assessment and schedule an initial intake appointment.

Information and Referral

For legal assistance, housing resources, state and national domestic violence programs, batterers' intervention, and other issues related to domestic violence, refer the survivor to the CHOICES 24-hour hotline at (614) 224-4663.

Support Groups

Refer the survivor, family member, or friend to the CHOICES 24-hour hotline at (614) 224-4663. A hotline worker will give the caller information regarding all of CHOICES' support groups.

Shelter

For female survivors and their children, refer the woman to the CHOICES 24-hour hotline at (614) 224-4663. A hotline worker will assess the caller's situation and availability of shelter bed space. If admitted, the caller will be directed to a safe location where a CHOICES representative will meet her and bring her to the shelter.

Support and Domestic Violence Education

A survivor, family member, colleague, neighbor, employer, or friend can call the CHOICES 24-hour hotline at (614) 224-4663 for emotional support, information, options, and resources. Hotline workers can also make referrals to CHOICES' Community Advocates at the Center for Child and Family Advocacy.

Special Notes

Deaf Callers

Deaf callers can access all of the above options by dialing the CHOICES 24-hour hotline at (614) 224-4663 on their TDD. Press keys to alert the hotline worker that it is a TDD call, and CHOICES' staff will respond on our TDD. Deaf callers can also use the Ohio Relay Service.

Confidentiality Rules and Considerations

CHOICES confidentiality rules and considerations maintain the privacy of ALL callers, as well as the shelter location and some other service sites. Detailed information about services will only be given directly to survivors. Information about any caller (including his or her identity) will NEVER be released without the caller's written permission.

Third Party Referrals

Third party referrals will never be accepted due to the confidentiality issues and the belief that a survivor needs to be in control of resolving the abusive situation. If you are a concerned friend, family member, colleague, or service provider, you may call the CHOICES 24-hour hotline at (614) 224-4663 for support and general program information.

Problems

Problems encountered on the hotline should be reported to the Program Director/Client Rights Officer, who can be reached at the CHOICES hotline number most weekdays. Knowing the date and time of the call in question can help with follow-up.