New Hotline Helps People Prevent Violence Before It Happens

A volunteer counselor in Sioux City just helped save lives in a way most crisis hotlines never could: by stopping violence before it happens.

The National Violence Prevention Hotline launched in May with a simple but powerful mission. It gives people experiencing violent thoughts someone to talk to before anyone gets hurt.

Michelle Andersen answers calls for the hotline and has already taken over 100 since July. She recently worked with a young man who realized through their conversation that he didn't actually want to hurt anyone. He was the one hurting inside.

"We worked through a safety plan," Andersen explained. They set up a commitment that anytime he felt angry, he could call back and talk it through with trained volunteers.

The hotline received calls within its first two weeks, even without any advertising. Two more calls came in on a single Wednesday morning when Andersen spoke with local news.

Volunteers use evidence-based scripts to guide conversations with callers. The service stays completely confidential unless four specific criteria are met: a plan, the means, an intended victim, and a timeframe. Only then do counselors contact law enforcement.

New volunteer Esha Gardoud is completing her six-week virtual training program right now. She's learning to recognize different communication styles, including passive callers who downplay their feelings while wanting to share what they're going through.

"Everyone deserves to have how they're feeling heard, especially in times like these, where we're so isolated," Gardoud said. She hopes to make an impact on someone's day, whether big or small.

Why This Inspires

This hotline addresses something that seemed obvious once someone finally did it. We have crisis lines for suicide prevention and domestic violence, but until now, nothing existed for people struggling with violent thoughts who want help before acting on them.

The volunteers stepping up know these conversations won't be easy. Andersen admits callers sometimes share fantasies about horrific things. But she and others like Gardoud show up anyway because they believe in prevention over tragedy.

The model is already proving itself without marketing dollars or PR campaigns, just word spreading that help exists for people who need it most.

Anyone across the country can volunteer by completing the training program, and anyone experiencing violent thoughts can call 888-664-6652 for free, confidential support that might change everything.