BALTIMORE — Sexual assault and domestic violence victims have a new place in the city they can turn to for help.
TurnAround, the rape crisis center for Baltimore County and City has a new location near the Inner Harbor.
It's on One North Charles Street, just off of Fayette Street.
Their executive director says having a new centralized location is especially important during the pandemic, adding they've seen a 300 percent increase in calls from victims. What she says is more concerning are the calls they aren't getting.
She says human trafficking survivors have stopped calling almost altogether.
"To make sure we were dealing with that issue, that we were addressing that issue, is we did a very large and significant social media campaign to make sure that we were getting the information out that we were here and we were available," Executive Director Amanda Rodriguez. "We also started a 24-7 text line that you're going to hear a little bit more about. So we want to make sure that human trafficking survivors and in particular and those that are suffering from any type of abuse know that they can reach out and get help even in the midst of this pandemic."
That director says their new space is larger than their previous offices in the city. The designers renovated the area to make sure it's a safe space for survivors.
If you or someone you know needs help and is unable to safely make a phone call to TurnAround's regular helpline, you can text 410-498-5956.
