Abuse hotlines across the country are ringing more than ever and a Bloomington hotline announced it’s part of the national trend.

Bloomington’s Middle Way House reported its’ 24/7 Crisis Line saw a 52% increase in calls last month compared to September 2017. Middle Way House’s Crisis Intervention Services Coordinator Stephanie Waller says the recent media coverage of sexual assault, including allegations against newly-sworn-in US Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh may be potential triggers for sexual assault survivors. “It’s a really hard experience to not be able to escape talking about sexual violence,” Waller said. “Seeing things like this on the news may bring back experiences you thought you were okay with or you had dealt with, but then you start to feel not okay again.”

During the Kavanaugh hearing, the National Assault Hotline got a 201% increase in calls and the public accusations sparked national movements including #BelieveSurvivors and #WhyIDidn’tReport. Middle Way House organized the Bloomington #BelieveSurvivors walkout where advocates wore all black in support of Dr. Ford and all sexual assault survivors.

Survivor supporters are encouraged to participate in Domestic Violence Awareness Month throughout October. Middle Way House will be hosting a series of events, including the Wrapped in Love Yard-Cutting Ceremony and the annual Fall Luncheon.

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, you can call the Middle Way House 24/7 Crisis Line or the CAPS Sexual Assault Service Line. Waller says it’s important to support survivors by allowing them the choice of reporting assault and sexual violence. “You may never want to go to the hospital and you may never choose to go to the police or you might want to do all of these things,” Waller said. “Know that that’s okay, it’s your choice, you’re in control and you get to choose what happens next.”