State of Illinois

Statewide: 988 counselors want more protection from abuse and harassment

NPR Illinois | 91.9 UIS | By Sean Crawford

Published September 26, 2024 at 1:39 PM CDT

Daisy is a former crisis counselor at Bloomington Illinois’ local 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Call center. She holds a paper in front of her face with emotions she felt when taking abusive calls while working there. She covers her face to maintain anonymity.

988 became the national 3-digit Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in 2022. It has helped many who are dealing with a mental health crisis. But in a some instances, those answering the line are dealing with sexually abusive and harassing callers. It has been so severe that some counselors have left the job.

Melissa Ellin explains it's a difficult problem to solve because the lifeline must be accessible.

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