Short-Term Health and Safety Outcomes Associated With Digital Hotline Use at Interpersonal Violence-Focused Agencies

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Mental Health
• Sociology

Background:

• Community organizations provide crucial support for survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV), stalking, sexual assault, and human trafficking.
• Digital hotlines (chat, text) are increasingly used to meet survivors' needs, yet their short-term impacts are understudied.
• Understanding the immediate effects of digital hotlines is vital for optimizing support services for vulnerable populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine short-term changes in health and safety among first-time digital hotline users.
• To assess the impact of digital hotline use on mental health (depression, PTSD), hope, and perceived safety.
• To identify potential differential effects of initial versus repeated digital hotline use.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 237 first-time digital hotline users in a Southern state.
• Online baseline and 6-week follow-up assessments measuring physical health, depression, PTSD, hope, and safety perceptions.
• Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, paired sample t-tests, chi-square tests, and regression modeling.

Main Results:

• Significant decreases in depression and PTSD symptoms were observed at 6-week follow-up.
• Significant increases in hope and feelings of safety were reported post-digital hotline use.
• No significant changes in physical health were noted; repeated use was linked to revictimization and reduced safety perceptions.

Conclusions:

• Digital hotlines appear to be an impactful intervention, not just a referral service, for survivors of trauma.
• Initial use of digital hotlines shows positive short-term mental health and safety benefits.
• Further research is needed to understand the long-term effects and risks associated with repeated digital hotline engagement.