Royal Mail launches online safe space for domestic abuse survivors

British postal service Royal Mail has launched a discreet online safe space for survivors of domestic abuse so they can access help with no internet history trace.

Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, domestic violence has got worse. According to Women's Aid research, three quarters of abuse survivors living with their abuser felt they could not leave or escape harm because of the pandemic. Furthermore, 61 percent of women living with their abuser reported worsening abuse during the pandemic.

Accessing support services during a pandemic can be extremely difficult, particularly with pandemic restrictions limiting people's contact with support systems.

Royal Mail has launched an online portal that helps survivors access support and advice free of charge, which has a quick exit tool and doesn't show up in internet search history.

"Online Safe Spaces" can be accessed on the Royal Mail and Parcelforce websites by scrolling to the bottom of the homepage and clicking on the 'safe spaces' circular logo. The portal provides links to surveys to help identify abusive behaviour, information on when to dial 999, in addition to links to local support services, national helplines, and other useful links.

Credit: royalmail.com / mashable screenshot

The portal is also available on internal websites across Royal Mail Group, and can also be downloaded for use on internal websites. Plus, Royal Mail is offering the portal software free to any corporate organisation wanting to host the portal on its website.

Sally Ashford, chief HR officer at Royal Mail Group said, "By placing the link on high traffic websites like Royal Mail and Parcelforce Worldwide, we hope that victims will be able to use the service discreetly if required without placing themselves at further risk."

The online safe space was developed in collaboration with crisis charity Hestia in alignment with the 'UK SAYS NO MORE' campaign, which also provides physical safe spaces in pharmacies including Boots, Superdrug, and Morrisons.

Lyndsey Dearlove, head of UK SAYS NO MORE at Hestia said businesses have a key role to play in helping survivors access vital help and support. "Lockdown restrictions due to Covid-19 have provided an opportunity for businesses to step up their response to domestic abuse for their staff and customers through digital platforms," she said.

If you've experienced domestic or intimate partner violence, you can call the 24-hour (UK) National domestic abuse helpline: 0808 2000 247. If you're in the U.S. you can call the National Domestic Violence hotline at 1-800-799-7233. Additional resources are available on its website.