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, says Erin Leigh, Executive Director of OCTEVAW. We want to make sure women have access to the services they need.
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.
CPO Executive Director Nancy Worsfold 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.
Unsafe at Home Ottawa - Text (613) 704-5535
Media contacts
Nancy Worsfold, Crime Prevention Ottawa
Email: Nancy.Worsfold@ottawa.ca
(613) 897-9439
Kari Lewis, Interval House of Ottawa
Email: klewis@intervalhouseottawa.org
(613) 294-2132
Dillon Black, OCTEVAW
Email: prevention@octevaw-cocvff.ca
(613) 795-8078
Nathalie Lafrenière, Eastern Ottawa Resource Centre
Email: NLafreniere@eorc-creo.ca
(613) 897-1779