That's quite a milestone. But then again, a half million people who are in trouble, or who know someone in crisis, is not something domestic violence experts necessarily applaud. Out of that half a million calls, we have touched many peoples' lives and made a difference. That's what the celebration is about. Then the mood is all business as hotline advocates dole out information and provide counseling to victims and their families and friends.
Calls are confidential.
They come from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, but most calls have been from people living in California, Texas, New York, Florida and Illinois. Experts aren't sure why. It could be as simple as media campaigns or because the states have cities with large populations. Colorful greeting cards are displayed on a shelf alongside a gel candle filled with purple and blue flowers. She spends eight hours a day helping people whose lives are chaotic and in disarray, but only has to slightly raise her eyes to be reminded of the love of her own family.