Hotline

If you are in danger, escape this page and dial 911.

Hotline/Crisis Services

Hotline number is available 24 hours a day in English & Spanish
1-844-789-SAFE (7233)
or Text SAFE BERKS to 20121

3/18/2020: Safe Berks Health Precautions

The Safe Berks Board of Directors, our CEO Beth Garrigan, and our Chief Operating Officer Mereliss Colon Ortiz are closely monitoring new updates concerning the coronavirus (COVID-19). Our highest priority is to safeguard the health and safety of our residents, clients and staff.

In order to protect the public health, as well as the health of the Safe Berks family, we have enacted several changes. These changes are temporary; we hope to return to previous practices in the near future. We are very grateful to the community for your support of Safe Berks as volunteers, donors and advocates, and we ask for your continued support during these challenging times.

Temporary changes to Safe Berks policies:

For victims of domestic violence and sexual assault who are seeking our free crisis services, we ask you to call our 24-hour hotline at 844-789-SAFE (7233) or text SAFE BERKS to 20121. Crisis services, including requests for shelter or medical advocacy, will flow through the hotline and text line. We will continue to provide free, confidential services to local survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault 24 hours each day. Anyone in immediate danger should call 911.

For Legal questions and concerns, please call 610-373-1206, ext. 107, and leave a message. Messages will be checked frequently by our legal advocates, who will call clients back.

All Counseling Support Groups are postponed at this time, but free individual counseling is still available. For requests for Counseling, or questions specific to Counseling, call 610-373-1206, ext 606.

Safe Berks staff will continue to work closely with Tower Health/Reading Hospital, Penn State Health St. Joseph, and Berks Community Health Center to provide medical advocacy and support for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. For questions about medical advocacy, email Macy L@SafeBerks.org.

Thank you for your understanding. This is a fluid situation and changes will be made as needed. Any other questions, email CEO Beth Garrigan at BethG@SafeBerks.org. We will keep you updated through this website, traditional media, social media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter), and other communication channels. Thank you and be safe!

Safe Berks can help you obtain:

• Emergency shelter from an abusive situation
• Counseling, one-on-one for both adults and children
• Information and legal support
• More information about domestic and sexual violence