Sexual assault hotline says it saw record number of calls during Kavanaugh hearing

The National Sexual Assault Hotline said it received an “unprecedented” spike in users Thursday as Christine Blasey Ford testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee about her alleged assault by Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh.

The Rape Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) tweeted there was an estimated jump was an estimated 147 percent above normal volume.

We estimate that today the National Sexual Assault Hotline saw a 147% increase above normal volume. https://t.co/sVpTuIEffA

— RAINN (@RAINN) September 28, 2018

RAINN also operates the free, confidential online chat service and noted “unprecedented” wait times on Thursday. 

We are experiencing unprecedented wait times for our online chat. If you are able, we encourage you to call 800.656.HOPE (4673) or reach out via chat tomorrow. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

— RAINN (@RAINN) September 27, 2018

The organization suggested calling the national hotline phone number would be a faster way to be connected.

There was also a increase in users over the weekend as members of the Senate Judiciary Committee organized plans for Ford and Kavanaugh to testify.

The organization reported a 42 percent spike jumped past their normal Friday and Saturday inquiries.

The demand RAINN faced is similar to when the New York Times and the New Yorker first released their explosive reports on Harvey Weinstein, according to a report from BuzzFeed News.

With a 42% increase in calls this weekend, the survivors contacting the National Sexual Assault Hotline need your support now more than ever. Check out this thread for a few ways you can help: https://t.co/3didg52ycC

— RAINN (@RAINN) September 23, 2018

Ford described the alleged assault against to Senators on Thursday, which she said happened while they were both at a high school party in the 1980s.

The Supreme Court nominee issued a forceful and emotional denial in a follow-up hearing shortly after.

A Senate Republican aide said on Thursday night that the committee meeting to vote on Kavanaugh is still scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Friday.

Kavanaugh’s confirmation could still be won in the GOP-controlled Senate by a 51-49 margin.