Jacksonville, AL – Jacksonville State University has been awarded a $42,500 grant to expand access to sexual assault support services and establish a new 24/7 crisis hotline serving Calhoun, Cleburne, and Talladega counties.
The funding, awarded through the Sexual Assault Services Program (SASP), is a subaward passed through the Alabama Coalition Against Rape and the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women. The project, titled Beyond Barriers: Increasing Access to Sexual Assault Services in Unserved Communities, is led by Dr. Tina Deshotels, department head of Sociology and Political Science at Jacksonville State University, and coordinated by Donna English.
The grant will support the implementation of a comprehensive, trauma-informed sexual assault services program that provides free and confidential support to survivors. Services include a 24/7 crisis hotline, medical and court advocacy, short-term counseling, safe and confidential transportation, language access, and assistance with Alabama Crime Victims Compensation.
Survivors can access immediate, confidential support by calling (888) 996-1262. The Sexual Assault Crisis Hotline is now online and staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“This grant is about making sure survivors in our communities, especially in rural and underserved areas, have somewhere to turn in their most critical moments,” Deshotels said. “By working alongside local partners, Jacksonville State University is helping ensure that people across Calhoun, Cleburne, and Talladega Counties can access compassionate, trauma-informed support close to home.”
Over the past two years, Jacksonville State University has established the foundation for the initiative through funding from the Office for Victims of Crime and community foundation support. That work helped establish survivor-centered policies, cross-sector partnerships, regional coordination, and advocate training modules that meet Alabama Coalition Against Rape standards. SASP funding now allows the university to move from infrastructure development to full-service delivery, addressing what advocates have described as a lack of accessible sexual assault services in the region.
The program is being implemented in partnership with the JSU Foundation and in collaboration with community organizations including 2nd Chance, Family Services of North Alabama, and local District Attorney’s Offices. These partnerships aim to provide a coordinated, survivor-centered response designed to be sustainable and accessible across both rural and urban communities.
English, coordinator of the program, emphasized the broader impact of the initiative. “When we include everyone, we protect everyone,” English said.
The initiative is expected to strengthen partnerships across the region while expanding inclusive support services for survivors both on and off campus. Through the program, Jacksonville State University continues its regional outreach efforts and commitment to ensuring survivors have access to timely, coordinated, and compassionate care.
