In partnership with L’Oréal and the European Investment Bank, we are happy to announce our latest endeavour: the Ukraine+ project.
With a steep rise in domestic violence (DV) in Ukraine and its neighbouring countries, this initiative could not have been more urgent. By harnessing the power of technology and community partnerships, we commit to support these people in need with our Chatbot Sophia.
The Urgency of Action
Imagine living in a war-torn country. You try to find solace and safety at your home with your family. But what if you are not safe there either! What to do if you are subject to domestic violence there?
For millions of people living in Ukraine and its neighbouring countries, that’s the reality now. They are fighting two wars; one for the country and the other one at home.
What Does the Data Say?
The statistics are staggering: 1 in 3 women, totaling 736 million worldwide, experience domestic violence in their lifetime (UN Women 2020). These numbers are further exacerbated in regions of conflict, where the prevalence of DV increases by 14% (World Bank 2020). In light of these sobering realities, our mission to provide comprehensive support to survivors is more critical than ever.
Meet Sophia: Your Friend in This Fight
Sophia is the world’s first chatbot, designed to empower survivors of DV. It’s not just any chatbot though, its 24/7 availability, language variety and strong features of safety have made it a friend of thousands of people suffering from DV worldwide.
Today, Sophia operates on a global scale, offering prevention and response services that transcend borders. Through Sophia, survivors can gather potential evidence, assess their rights, and access support services anonymously and securely.
The Digital Safe: A Secure Haven
In addition to Sophia’s chat capabilities, survivors can utilise the Digital Safe—a secure repository for storing evidence of abuse. This cutting-edge feature allows users to safeguard text files, images, audio recordings, and important documents, ensuring their safety even in volatile situations.
The Ukraine+ Project
Recognising the pressing need for localised support, we are launching the Ukraine+ project. This initiative aims to localise Sophia in Ukraine and its neighbouring countries, including Belarus, Hungary, Moldova, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia. Sophia already speaks a multitude of languages, including Ukrainian and Russian. By localising Sophia in the languages of the targeted countries, we ensure that people suffering from DV there can access support in their native languages. We aim to reach the 8 million Ukrainian refugees spread across Europe, offering vital resources and information to those in need.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Are you passionate about empowering survivors of domestic violence? Do you believe in the power of technology-driven solutions for tackling social injustice? Then join us.
If you have language skills, contacts, or resources to contribute, please fill out the contact form below and be a part of this life-changing project. Together, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of survivors and contribute to building a safer world.
Thank you for your commitment to making a difference. Together, we can create a world where survivors of domestic violence feel supported, empowered, and heard.
