Google has introduced a new feature on its search function aimed at helping potential victims of domestic and family violence and sexual assault. Since 1 June 2022, searches for terms like “domestic violence”, “family violence”, “my partner is hitting me”, and “sexual assault” will see a result at the top of the search returns page encouraging him or her to seek help from the National Anti-Violence and Sexual Harassment Helpline (NAVH).
Highlighting Help Available for Domestic / Family Abuse and Sexual Harassment Victims
This initiative by Google has been launched in Singapore in collaboration with the Ministry of Social and Family Development. It is aligned with the Ministry’s commitment to tackle family violence.
In 2020, there were over 4,5000 enquires to the NAVH. Google also saw a large spike in searches for the term “domestic violence” and “sexual assault” from 2020 up till the present day.
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Ben King, Country Managing Director of Google Singapore said, “For victims of domestic or family violence and sexual assault, time is of the essence when searching for help. Through this enhanced Search experience, we hope to connect victims with the right authorities to get them the help they need immediately. We will continue to work closely with the Ministry of Social and Family Development with complementary initiatives to support the broader efforts to tackle violence locally, so that no one in our community will have to live in fear in a place they call home.”
Ms Sun Xueling, Minister of State for Social and Family Development, and Education, said, “We are delighted to work with partners such as Google in our campaign to raise awareness on Family Violence and Sexual Harassment. No one should suffer in silence. Since 1 May 2022, MSF has enhanced the National Anti-Violence and Sexual Harassment Helpline (NAVH) to be the one-stop helpline for anyone to report violence, including sexual violence and sexual harassment. Through this initiative with Google, witnesses or victim-survivors of violence will be able to get access to help more expediently. MSF appreciates the partnership with Google to raise awareness of the NAVH, which complements our ongoing public education efforts to tackle violence.”
National Anti-Violence and Sexual Harassment Helpline Number
Those who need help can call the 24-hour National Anti-Violence and Sexual Harassment Helpline at 1800-777-0000.
