The NSF Antarctic Helpline is experiencing longer than usual wait times. We thank you for your patience as the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) actively works to address these issues. We apologize for any inconvenience.

The NSF Antarctic Helpline provides support for members of the U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP) community who experience sexual assault and/or sexual harassment.

| Call: 1-833-673-1733

About the NSF Antarctic Helpline:

The NSF Antarctic Helpline is a crisis support service available specifically for members of the USAP community who experience sexual assault and/or sexual harassment.

Through this service, helpline support specialists provide live, confidential, one-on-one crisis intervention, emotional support and information about support and reporting resources. All services are anonymous, secure, and available to USAP community members both on and off the ice, providing you with the help you need, anytime, anywhere.

Helpline services are exclusively for current and former USAP community members. Resources for non-USAP community members are available at National Resources for Sexual Assault Survivors and their Loved Ones | RAINN.

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Online Chat:

Get confidential one-on-one support through a secure instant-messaging platform at
  • Staffed by trained professionals
  • Available 24/7
  • We will not ask you for any personally identifying information
  • We do not save session transcripts
  • We never log your IP address
  • We encrypt all data
Note: When using government-provided access to the Internet or electronic mail systems, please be mindful that all internet traffic may be subject to monitoring by NSF. Therefore, privacy cannot be guaranteed when using the helpline online chat function while deployed on ice. Information maintained within or retrievable through the NSF computer system, including electronic mail files, may be reviewed, and retrieved by the Department of Homeland Security; NSF officials who have a legitimate reason to do so when authorized by the Director or Deputy Director; or by the Inspector General.
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Call the NSF Antarctic Helpline:

Access live, confidential help over the phone – just call 1-833-673-1733.
  • Staffed by trained professionals
  • Available 24/7
  • We will not ask you for any personally identifying information
  • Phone calls are never stored or recorded
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Text the NSF Antarctic Helpline:

Need help finding support resources?
Text your questions to 202-932-7569 and you will receive confidential help and support resource information.

Additional sexual assault and sexual harassment
support resources for the USAP community:

Advocacy and Support Services: 
USAP Victim Advocate:
100% confidential, available remotely by appointment.

Email: USAPadvocate@LDSScorp.com 
Phone: 720-568-1083
USAP Extension: x42709

USAP Licensed Clinical Counselor:
100% confidential, available remotely by appointment, to deployed participants.

Mental health support and counseling services.
Email: mcm-counselor@usap.gov.

To learn more about medical services such as medical forensic exams and preventative treatments, contact:

McMurdo Station Medical Services:   
Local extension: x42551
Pager: 876

South Pole Station Medical Services:  
Local extension: x61602
Radio call number: 242

Palmer Station Medical Services:
Local extension: x52778

To contact the NSF Office of Inspector General (OIG):
OIG Hotline: https://oig.nsf.gov/hotlineUSAP

To contact the USAP Special Deputy U.S. Marshal, email:
mcm-nsfstmgr@usap.gov

National Science Foundation’s Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Prevention and Response (SAHPR) Office:

Members of the USAP workforce and USAP affiliates who have been impacted by sexual harassment or sexual assault can contact the NSF SAHPR Office to report an incident of sexual assault or sexual harassment. Email saferscience@nsf.gov.

The NSF Antarctic Helpline is operated by RAINN, the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization, through a contract with the NSF’s Sexual Assault/Harassment Prevention and Response (SAHPR) Office.