These are the same steps our staff use when they help someone. "They" means the person who needs help: you, or someone you are helping. Go in order, and call ahead when you can.
1Safety first
If anyone is in danger right now, badly hurt, or the abuser is here, call 911.
911 (Grant County Regional Dispatch)
Emergency: police, fire, ambulance
911
Silver City · 24/7
Move the person to a quiet, private spot if it is safe to do so.
2Listen. Do not investigate.
You can say"Thank you for telling me. I believe you. This is not your fault."
Let them talk. Stay calm. Do not ask lots of questions or ask for details.
Do not promise to keep a secret.
You can say"I can't keep this to myself if a child or someone is being hurt. I will get help from people who know what to do."
3When a child is being hurt or neglected: everyone must report
In New Mexico, every person who knows or suspects that a child is abused or neglected must report it. This includes volunteers.
You do not need proof. Report what you saw or heard.
Report it the same day to CYFD (from a cell phone, dial #SAFE) or to police.
NM CYFD - Statewide Central Intake
Report child abuse or neglect (#SAFE)
855-333-7233 · 24/7:
#SAFE
· 24/7
See the guide "A child is being hurt, abused or neglected".
4When an older or disabled adult is being hurt, neglected or robbed
New Mexico law asks anyone who believes a vulnerable adult is being abused, neglected or exploited (money taken, tricked, scammed) to report it to Adult Protective Services.
NM Aging & Long-Term Services - Adult Protective Services
Report adult abuse, neglect or exploitation (statewide intake)
866-654-3219
NM Adult Protective Services - Silver City office
APS local office
575-534-0832 · 24/7:
866-654-3219
3082 32nd St Bypass, Suite B, Silver City
See the guide "A senior or disabled adult is being neglected, abused or taken advantage of".
5When the person is an adult being hurt by a partner or family
You can say"There are people in town who help with this, day or night. Would you like to call them with me?"
El Refugio
El Refugio 24-hour crisis hotline (local DV shelter)
575-538-2125
Silver City (address shared by phone) · 24/7
Silver Regional Sexual Assault Support Services (SRSASS)
Sexual assault crisis line (Silver City)
866-750-6474
Silver City (address shared by phone)
At the Gospel MissionAsk Mission staff about space at Sierra House for women and children.
See the guide "A woman (maybe with children) has no safe place or is leaving an abuser".
More help like this
A woman (maybe with children) has no safe place or is leaving an abuserUse when a woman, with or without children, is afraid to go home, is being hurt by a partner or family member, or is trying to leave an abuser.Was sexually assaulted or rapedUse when someone tells you they were sexually assaulted or raped, recently or long ago.Being stalked, harassed or threatenedUse when someone is being followed, watched, threatened, or harassed in person, by phone or online.Being forced to work or trade sex, or someone controls their papers or moneyUse when someone is forced or tricked into work or sex, can't leave, owes a debt they can't pay off, or someone keeps their ID or money.Someone is being attacked, or a fight breaks outUse when you see someone being beaten, attacked or threatened, or a fight starts on the street, at a business, at an event or at the Mission.Someone is shooting, or has a gun or weapon in a public placeUse when someone is shooting, waving a gun or knife, or threatening to hurt people in a store, school, church, office or other public place, or after a threat or suspicious package.
See all guides in Helping a neighbor →
This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer
Know a better way? Is something out of date?
If a number or place here is wrong, you know a better resource, or you know a better way to help, tell us. We automatically check reliable sources and update supported routine details. Unclear changes and safety guidance go to our staff for review.
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📞 We need volunteers to keep this guide up to date. You can help from home, an hour a week.
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Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City,
575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.