Resources

Hotlines

(* means a hotline explicitly states they do not contact police or emergency services, though we recommend still checking their policy)

Trevor Project – Suicide Hotline: “As part of the 988 Lifeline, counselors may contact emergency services (including police) if they assess the caller is at imminent risk — this is standard protocol for 988.”
988 Lifeline: “Under standard policy, counselors will involve emergency responders, including police, if a caller is deemed to pose an imminent risk to self or others.”
Crisis Text Line: “In cases when a texter is in immediate danger of suicide or homicide, as determined by a risk assessment by the Crisis Counselor and Supervisor, our first step is to try to work with the texter to form a safety plan. If the texter is unable to plan for their own safety, the Supervisor may contact emergency services, who may dispatch a wellness check.”
The National Runaway Safeline: “NRS’ services are 100% confidential; no one will know you’ve contacted us or the details of what you’ve shared with us. We can contact your parents or the police on your behalf, but we won’t do so without your permission. We are mandatory reporters, so if you’re experiencing abuse, we will let you know if information must be reported to the authorities. We can only report what you tell us.”
BlackLine*: According to secondary sources, this hotline does not involve law enforcement or state agencies.
Trans Lifeline*: “Will not contact police, 911, or emergency responders unless you explicitly request it; adheres strictly to no non-consensual active rescue.”
Wildflower Alliance Peer Support Line*: “Our peer support line is answered by a trained peer supporter who has their own first-hand experience with psychiatric diagnosis, trauma, addiction, and/or other interrupting challenges. This line does not collect personal information, perform assessment, or call crisis or the police.”
LGBT National Help Center – Online Peer Support Chat*: “All of our services are completely free and confidential. All of our volunteers are members of the LGBTQIA+ community. We answer all of our own calls, we don’t outsource. We don’t report calls to outside organizations.”
StrongHearts Native Helpline: “StrongHearts Native Helpline is a 24/7 safe, confidential and anonymous domestic and sexual violence helpline for Native Americans and Alaska Natives, offering support and advocacy.”
Thrive Lifeline*: “Maintains a strict policy against non-consensual active rescue; will not call police or emergency services unless you ask or consent.”
Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline: “Emergency Services: The advocate’s priority is to establish that the caller is in a safe place to talk. If the caller is in immediate danger, the caller is advised to hang up and dial 911. Note: StrongHearts advocates are not able to connect callers to 911.”
Illinois Department of Human Services Domestic Violence Helpline: “The helpline is confidential, but the programs also mention “working with police and law enforcement to better protect victims and their families.” However, there is no explicit language stating whether law enforcement is contacted automatically or only with consent. This leaves some uncertainty. The phrasing could mean they coordinate with police when needed—potentially at the victim’s request or via threat assessment—but it doesn’t clearly indicate if outreach ever happens without the caller’s permission.”
Centre for Suicide Prevention: “Canada’s 9-8-8 helpline prioritizes confidentiality and only involves emergency services when absolutely necessary for safety reasons. They make every effort to use the least intrusive method to ensure your well-being but could potentially involve the police without your consent.”
The Oregon Hopeline: “The Oregon Hopeline is described as free, confidential, and statewide. It offers compassionate, judgment-free support for those struggling with substance use, providing connections to treatment referrals, harm-reduction tools, housing assistance, and more.”
- There is no mention anywhere on the public webpages of contacting law enforcement or emergency services on behalf of the caller under any circumstances. The focus remains on listening, understanding, and offering resources—not dispatching emergency response. According to the information available, the Oregon Hopeline does not contact police or emergency services without the caller’s request.
Life Military Helpline: Based on their publicly available information, the Lines for Life Military Helpline states that it is confidential but does not provide details about if or when they might contact police or emergency services without your explicit permission. There is no clear indication either way. Their primary role appears to be listening, offering support, and connecting callers with resources—not coordinating emergency interventions—but their exact policy on emergency contact is not publicly stated.
Senior Loneliness Line: Based on publicly available information, the Lines for Life Senior Loneliness Line is a free, confidential service for Oregon adults aged 60 and older. While the service focuses on listening, offering emotional support, and providing referrals—including elder abuse counseling and crisis intervention—it does not publicly specify whether—or under what circumstances—it might contact emergency services like police without your permission.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: Based on publicly available information, AFSP and the 988 Lifeline generally do not initiate contact with police or emergency services without your explicit input. However, they may do so if strict, high-risk criteria are met—such as when a caller is assessed to be at imminent risk of serious harm.
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