September 30, 2020 – COVID-19 online safe chat and text service expanding
Ottawa’s safe text and chat line for people living with domestic violence and abuse during COVID-19 is pleased to announce that it will offer its services to more people in need and extend operations to March 2021.
Since April, Unsafe at Home Ottawa has held nearly 700 secure text and chat sessions. United Way East Ontario, Crime Prevention Ottawa and Women’s Shelters Canada are providing additional funding so the service can continue through the winter months. The service will now also be extended to Lanark County and to members of the LGBTQ2S+ community who are experiencing violence in the home.
About Unsafe at Home Ottawa
- Text and chat service available 7 days a week from 8:30 am to midnight.
- Safe technology ensures conversations are confidential and secure.
- Trained personnel provide advice, referrals and support in English and French.
Please share the tool and our social media posts with colleagues, friends, family members and neighbours to reach those who need it the most.
Unsafe at Home Ottawa – Text (613) 704-5535
Chat online unsafeathomeottawa.ca
Thursday, May 21, 2020 – Demand for Ottawa’s secure chat and text service for women living with violence doubles expectations in first month.
More than 300 people have reached out for support during the first month of operations for Unsafe at Home Ottawa. This secure text and online chat service aims to give women living with domestic violence and abuse the support they need during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Available 7 days a week from 8:30 am to midnight, it uses safe, encrypted technology to ensure that conversations are confidential and secure when someone reaches out for help. Trained counsellors provide advice, referrals and support in English and French.
Here’s the breakdown of support offered in the chats:
- Safety planning: 32% (includes 2 individuals supported in leaving a violent situation)
- Other: 32% (for example, friends and family reaching out for support)
- Emotional support: 20%
- Practical support: 7%
- Support with basic needs: 5%
- Legal support: 3%
- Financial support: 1%
The service was launched on April 14, 2020 by Crime Prevention Ottawa (CPO), the Ottawa Coalition to End Violence Against Women (OCTEVAW), Interval House of Ottawa, the Eastern Ottawa Resource Centre, and Victim Services of Ottawa, with communications support from the Ottawa Police Service.
Read the full results in the Newsroom at crimepreventionottawa.ca. Please continue to share this important resource
Tuesday, April 14, 2020 (Ottawa) — Crime Prevention Ottawa (CPO), the Ottawa Coalition to End Violence Against Women (OCTEVAW), Interval House of Ottawa and the Eastern Ottawa Resource Centre are pleased to announce the launch of Unsafe at Home Ottawa, a text and online chat tool that allows victims and survivors of domestic violence and abuse to get help and support.
“The service was created for those who may find it impossible to reach out by calling a crisis line when trapped at home with their abuser due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and physical distancing measures, we want to make sure women have access to the services they need.”
Executive Director of OCTEVAW
About Unsafe at Home Ottawa:
- Text and online chat service available 7 days a week from 8:30 am to midnight.
- Safe, encrypted technology ensures conversations are confidential and secure.
- Trained counsellors provide advice, referrals and support in English and French.
The CPO Executive Director is encouraging everyone to spread the word about this valuable tool.
“Some of our friends and neighbours are living with abuse in their homes. Unsafe at Home Ottawa provides a secure, supportive way to reach out for help and advice. Now, more than ever, we need to look out for one another.”
CPO Executive Director
Unsafe at Home Ottawa – Text (613) 704-5535
Chat online unsafeathomeottawa.ca
