AVDA (Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse) recently launched secure web chat and secure texting on its hotline to increase access for survivors of domestic violence who may be unable to call for assistance.
Individuals seeking services or help who are not able to make a phone call are encouraged to text AVDA’s 24-hour crisis hotline at (800) 355-8547 or select the chat option at www.avdaonline.org.
Secure web chat and texting has become a trusted method of communication for many domestic violence service providers. Due to local stay-at-home orders during COVID-19, it was challenging for survivors to make a phone call to seek help.
Texting offers a safe, secure and more discreet option for survivors to reach out for help when they need it.
AVDA’s victim advocates are available 24 hours a day to answer hotline calls, web chats and secure texts in real time. Program Services Director Jennifer Rey was instrumental in implementing this new service for the agency.
“Knowing that survivors are at home with their perpetrators more often than not because of the pandemic, web chat and secure texting options are critical to ensure survivors can discreetly contact AVDA’s 24-hour hotline to access our full range of life-saving services,” she said.
AVDA promotes violence-free relationships and social change by offering alternative choices to end violence and domestic abuse. AVDA’s crisis hotline is available 24 hours a day at (800) 355-8547. For more information, visit www.avdaonline.org.
