My Sister’s Place’s (MSP) new, multi-lingual, online chat service for victims of domestic abuse has been funded with £13,740 from Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC.)
The service will give fast, safe and discreet access to support for people with limited or no English.
MSP hopes the anonymous service will also benefit other potential users, who traditionally shy away from picking up the ‘phone to get help and advice.
They include male, neurodiverse, disabled and deaf victims as well as those, who cannot safely call because their perpetrator closely monitors and controls their movements.
Initially, the service will operate for three days per week for six months. It will feature real-time, online translation from community languages into English so victims can access MSP staff directly.
All replies will be translated into the user’s chosen language, removing reliance on interpreters and meaning victims can get immediate support
The chat function will be integrated into MSP’s other systems, giving seamless case management, improved safeguarding and making it easier to make referrals to other services.
The new service also provides an extra – and accessible – way to get help from MSP professionals. It will complement existing face-to-face support provided by the charity.
MSP plans to embed the service into everyday operations beyond the initial funding period.
Cleveland PCC Matt Storey said: “This application is a great example of how technology can break down barriers and help reach “hidden” victims, who may not otherwise approach services for support.
“It also makes it easier for staff to regularly assess victims’ needs, ensuring they get the right help from the right people at the right time to aid their recovery.”
Initial funding came from Cleveland PCC’s Protect and Support Fund.
The fund gave one-off grants to charities working with vulnerable victims, who do not tend to access support after becoming a victim of crime.
Lesley Storey, Chief Executive Officer at My Sister’s Place, said: “This will make a real difference to some of our least visible victims.
“Taking that first step and asking for support can be the most difficult– and this service makes it easier.”
