(COLUMBUS, Ohio) – Effective March 2, 2026, The Center for Family Safety and Healing (TCFSH) at Nationwide Children's Hospital assumed operations of the Franklin County Domestic Violence Hotline, a phone assistance service staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for anyone in need of domestic violence assistance. The hotline previously was operated by Lutheran Social Services’ CHOICES for Victims of Domestic Violence (LSS CHOICES) program.
As domestic violence rates and homicides continue to rise, this change supports shared commitment among community partners to provide a more coordinated, effective safety network for survivors. LSS CHOICES and TCFSH’s Intake Department each receive approximately 5,000 calls per year from adult victims of domestic violence.
By connecting the Domestic Violence Hotline with TCFSH’s Intake Department, individuals in crisis or needing support receive faster access to a comprehensive range of services including emergency shelter, safety planning, relocation, legal services, court advocacy, therapy, and support groups. This partnership provided a seamless transition to ensure survivors received uninterrupted services for their safety and well-being.
“The Community Perceptions survey that we conducted in partnership with the Franklin County Domestic Violence Task Force revealed that 48% of respondents did not know where to turn for help,” said Melissa Kay Graves, president of The Center for Family Safety and Healing. “This leaves people in abusive situations isolated and in extreme danger. Survivors need to know they are not alone and there is help here for them.”
The Domestic Violence Hotline number (614) 224-4663 (HOME) remains the same and maintains 24-hour coverage. LSS CHOICES and TCFSH are working together to make sure people experiencing domestic violence can more easily get connected to the support they need. TCFSH focuses on providing supportive services and connections to community partners, and LSS CHOICES continues to operate the domestic violence shelter.
“This change was made strategically and with the well-being of survivors at the forefront,” said Rachel Lustig, president and CEO of Lutheran Social Services. “By connecting the CHOICES Domestic Violence Hotline with TCFSH’s intake line, individuals in crisis have a more streamlined path to access the help and resources they need. With funding in a more precarious position than ever, it also makes the best use of our community’s scarce resources.”
If you or someone you know needs help, call the 24-hour Hotline at (614) 224-4663 (HOME). Calls are free and confidential.
About The Center for Family Safety and Healing
The Center for Family Safety and Healing (TCFSH) at Nationwide Children’s Hospital addresses all forms of family violence by providing comprehensive prevention, intervention, and support services for children, teens, adults and older adults affected by abuse. The team uses proven, evidence‑based approaches and works together across different fields including child protective services, law enforcement, courts, emergency shelters and housing providers to address and prevent family violence. Learn more at FamilySafetyandHealing.org.
About LSS CHOICES for Victims of Domestic Violence
LSS CHOICES for Victims of Domestic Violence, a part of Lutheran Social Services, is the only domestic violence shelter in Franklin County, providing life-saving safety and support to victims and their children. Each day, CHOICES offers safe shelter and comprehensive supportive services to up to 120 individuals. Annually, approximately 1,000 people turn to CHOICES for safety, healing and the support needed to rebuild their lives as survivors. Learn more at LSSnetworkofhope.org.
About Lutheran Social Services
Lutheran Social Services (LSS) is a faith-based, health and human services organization that provides housing, health care and emergency assistance to thousands of people every day with programs that serve the whole person and respond to some of our community’s most serious challenges. Founded in 1912, LSS is one of Central Ohio’s largest nonprofits and takes a leadership role in responding to the challenges that face people experiencing poverty and/or homelessness, seniors, and victims/survivors of domestic violence. Driven by faith, we continue our mission of creating a better world by serving people in need by responding to our community’s evolving unmet needs with dignity and respect while providing compassionate, professional care. Learn more at LSSnetworkofhope.org.