A New Look for CRCC’s 24/7 Chat Line

September 30, 2026

Beginning October 2026, Cleveland Rape Crisis Center (CRCC)’s online chat line will be upgraded to better serve survivors of rape and sexual abuse. To learn about the change and what you can expect, please read the FAQs below.

1. What has changed?
   For survivors and their loved ones chatting in, the primary difference will be an upgraded look and feel for the chat window. The new platform will also make it easier for advocates to share links and resources, as well as leave away messages in case of service disruptions.

   If desired, Advocates can also turn on automatic language translation, which uses Google Translate. You will be notified if this service is activated.

2. Will I be talking to a real person or an Ai (artificial intelligence) bot?
   A real person. The Crisis & Support Hotline will continue to be answered by CRCC’s trained and credentialed advocates. When chatting on our website, you’ll be connecting with a real human who can provide support, information, or a listening ear.

3. How do I access the chat hotline?
   Visit clevelandrapecrisis.org/chat or click Chat Now at the top of any page on CRCC’s website.
   On the page that opens, click on:
   1. The “Chat Now” image or the text “Chat online” text. The chat will open in a new window (desktop) or tab (mobile.)
   2. The teal chat icon in the lower right corner of the screen (shown below). This button will open within the same window/tab.
      

4. Is the chat secure?
   A: Yes. We are committed to your privacy and digital safety. Our hotline services are anonymous and confidential. We do not collect any identifying information in order to chat or text with an advocate. Your conversations may be documented for training and quality assurance, but your messages will not be shared outside of Cleveland Rape Crisis Center and they will not be used to train Ai.

5. What if I can’t connect? Or lose connection?
   In case of disruption to the chat or text lines during this transition period, please call our phone lines for 24/7 confidential support: (216) 619-6192 or (440) 423-2020.

   If a CRCC advocate is not available, please call our trusted state hotline SARNCO (Sexual Assault Response Network of Central Ohio) at (844) 644-6435 for immediate over the phone support. For text and chat support, visit the National Sexual Assault Hotline at https://rainn.org/help-and-healing/hotline/.

6. What if I prefer to talk on the phone?
   The phone lines remain available 24/7. Call (216) 619-6192 or (440) 423-2020 any time, day or night.

7. Where can I learn more about CRCC’s Crisis & Support Hotline?
   Visit the Crisis & Support Hotline page for answers to questions like “Who can use the hotline?” and “Why use the hotline?”.