Google home page – for first time – links directly to Refuge’s National Domestic Abuse Helpline
Google home page – for first time – links directly to Refuge’s National Domestic Abuse Helpline, which provides gateway to services for women and children experiencing domestic abuse.
For the first time, the Google home page today, 8 December, carries a link which links directly to www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk , run by Refuge. This continues Google’s support of Refuge’s work during 16 days and follows the launch of the powerful #ISeeYou campaign, supported by Google, which was launched on International Day to Eliminate Violence Against Women and Girls. #ISeeYou, featuring talent and advocates, was designed to reach victims, survivors and their families, during the annual ’16 days of activism’, and to serve as a call out to let them know they are not alone.
Lisa King, director of communications and external relations at Refuge said:
‘We are incredibly grateful to Google for this show of support. More than 1 in 4 women in the UK will experience domestic abuse at some point in their lifetime, and 2 women a week are killed in England and Wales by a current or former partner. Domestic abuse is a social pandemic in this country and we need as many women as possible to know that support is available, and how to access it.
Being able to link to Refuge’s life-saving services from Google’s home page has the potential to save lives and change lives. This is an incredible gesture and one which will help us send a very powerful message to women and girls – you are not alone, support is available, and Refuge sees you, hears you and believes you. During 16 days of activism Refuge channels have been shining a light of its national Helpline, raising awareness of both the 24/7 number and live chat services, whilst celebrating the work of its staff and volunteers who have answered more calls than ever during the Covid-19 crisis. Given the window to call for help has narrowed yet more due to being locked in, the support of Google, a huge online presence which will help to drive people to our digital support, at a time when so much of our lives is lived online, helps ensure as many women as possible know how to access the vital support Refuge provides online too.’
ENDS
For more information contact press@refuge.org.uk
Refuge encourages all media outlets to signpost to Refuge’s National Domestic Abuse Helpline, for free and confidential support, 24 hours a day, call 0808 2000 247 or visit www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk to access live chat.