FARMINGTON – Sexual Assault Victims Emergency Services’ 24-hour crisis and support helpline in Franklin County has encountered an interruption in service because of difficulties arising from their dial-tone vendor, Verizon.

Verizon manages the Maine statewide toll free number for sexual assault crisis centers; 1-800-871-7741.

SAVES scheduled a change in answering service telephone numbers due to take place on Oct. 1.

For reasons unclear at this time, the change did not take place as scheduled and anyone calling the 1-800-871-7741 from the Franklin County area receives a message stating that the number has been disconnected.

Anyone who has attempted to reach the helpline and has been unable to do so is encouraged to call the SAVES office directly at 778-9522.

Verizon promises a correction as soon as possible, a release from SAVES said. In the meantime, an alternative number can be used to reach the helpline: 866-740-9516.

SAVES provides a helpline that is staffed by volunteer advocates.

The advocates are available 365 days a year to offer support and information for victims and survivors of sexual violence and their loved ones.

SAVES is supported in part by the United Way of the Tri-Valley Area and serves all of Franklin County.