What is a hotline?
The Network hotline (617-742-4911) provides emotional support, information, and safety planning for lesbians, bisexual women, and transgender folks who are being abused or have been abused by a partner. We also offer information and support to friends, family, or co-workers on the issue of partner abuse in lesbian, bisexual women's, and transgender communities.

What are the hotline hours?
The hotline is currently open business hours and evenings and some weekend hours. We are continually working to expand our hours towards 24-hour coverage.

Do I have to be in the office to answer the hotline?
No, you can take hotline calls out of your own home, apartment or dorm either directly or through an answering service. You do not need a second phone line, although you will need some privacy.

How long is one hotline shift?
Each hotline shift is 5 or 6 hours long once a week.

How many calls will I get during one shift?
You can expect to get 0-3 calls per weekly shift.

What kind of training and support does The Network/La Red provide?
The Network/La Red provides initial 40 hour training. Volunteer meeting is once a month for supervision and in-service training. During your shift, there is always a back-up supervisor. The back-up supervisor is there to "debrief" with hotline volunteers after a call, answer any questions, or assist in any other way that might be needed.

All volunteers of The Network/La Red participate in our free training program. Aside from discussing the dynamics of LGBT partner abuse, the training covers issues such as oppression, crisis intervention, counseling skills, and legal issues.

Fill out a hotline volunteer application today