24 Hr Crisis Line
Get Support
If you or someone you know has been impacted by sexual violence or human trafficking, please call our 24 hour crisis line at (828) 255-7576. In case of an immediate emergency, dial 9-1-1.
If you have been sexually assaulted or impacted by human trafficking
The trauma you’ve experienced can be overwhelming and confusing, but there is no right or wrong way to react when you are sexually assaulted or impacted by human trafficking, and everyone’s healing process is different.
Our Voice believes that you are the expert when choosing what support you need and how you receive it. Some of the options available to you are listed below, but you are not limited to these choices — we support your individual path toward healing.
- First, get to a safe place.
- Then contact someone you trust who can help you.
- To speak to an advocate, call our 24-7 hotline (828) 225-7576 (language interpretation available).
Advocates act as a bridge to medical, legal and social service systems. They are trained to ensure your rights are respected and your needs are met.
Because we believe everyone should have access to our services, Our Voice has two locations. One office is located at the Family Justice Center, while our other office is situated in a private building apart from government organizations. Our private location offers Our Voice counseling services.
Call Us
Our Voice’s Family Justice Center office is open from 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday. Advocates are available to speak with you 24 hours a day at (828) 255-7576.
Counseling Services
Our Voice offers individual counseling and groups for people who have experienced the trauma of sexual violence, including those persons secondarily affected, such as family and friends. Our counseling services are short-term, goal oriented and focused on healing from sexual violence. All counseling services are completely confidential and available to individuals age 13 and older.
We believe that all survivors should be able to access counseling services. Individuals who request therapy are offered up to sixteen 45-60 minute sessions free of charge.
For more information about counseling or to make a referral, please contact us during office hours (8 am – 5 pm, Mon-Fri) at (828) 252-0562.
Seeking Medical Attention
Forensic medical exams include evidence collection and medical treatments. You DO NOT have to file a report to receive a medical exam. YOU CAN CHOOSE which parts of the exam you want, YOU ARE FREE TO STOP THE EXAM at any time and YOU ARE FREE TO DECLINE ALL MEDICAL ATTENTION.
If you are seeking medical attention, Our Voice Advocates can answer questions you may have, accompany you during your exam, provide clothing (the nurse may have to take your clothes to complete the forensic exam) and connect you with other services. You are welcome to request or deny any of these options at any time.
A Forensic Nurse is available to perform exams from 8 am-5 pm, Monday – Friday at our office in the Family Justice Center. All services at this location are free of charge, you are NOT required to show any identification, and a private waiting area is available for you. Call 828-252-0562 or come to the Family Justice Center @ 35 Woodfin St. Asheville, NC 28801.
If you are seeking medical attention after business hours, the emergency department at Mission Hospital performs forensic medical exams as well. To discuss your options with an advocate, call our crisis hotline (828) 225-7576.
If you want to report the assault or you are CONSIDERING reporting, preserving evidence is important. The following guidelines are strongly suggested:
If possible, do not eat or drink anything
Do not brush your teeth or shower
Keep scene in tact: do not move or discard items at the location of the assault (e.g; sheets, towels, furniture, etc.)
If you’ve changed clothes since the assault, store anything you were wearing during that time in a paper bag and bring it to the exam (do not use plastic bags)
If you have not changed clothes yet, wear them to the exam. The forensic nurse may have to take your clothing, but an advocate can bring you something to wear
Case Management
We provide confidential advocacy for survivors of sexual violence and human trafficking. Our team of highly trained adovocates can support survivors in navigating the legal system, forensic exams, and others aspects of their healing journey. Advocates can also accompany survivors to hospitals, law enforcement, and court-related meetings, and help develop personalized action and safety plans.
Additionally, Our Voice can connect survivors to housing, transportation, counseling, and community services, and offer direct support through timely phone, email, or text responses. Above all, we stand alongside survivors, ensuring they are supported, informed, and empowered every step of the way.
If you are interested in case management, call us during business hours at (828) 252-0562.
Court & Legal Advocacy
Our Voice’s Advocates can provide information about legal systems, e.g.,criminal reporting and civil options such as restraining orders, the Title IX process and more. They can also connect you with suitable resources and provides accompaniment to legal proceedings. To speak with an Advocate, contact us during office hours at (828) 252-0562.
Discrimination Claims
Our Voice is committed to non-discrimination policies and practices with the survivors we serve as well as with our staff and volunteers. If you feel you have been discriminated against by an Our Voice staff member or volunteer, for any reason, please visit this website for more information.