Victims of sexual violence now have a new resource thanks to a 24-hour chat tool, which has already enabled more teenagers and those recently assaulted to seek help.
“There are fewer taboos in writing. On the phone, people will hold back, for fear of sounding too crude. Through chat, they are less afraid of expressing their emotions,” immediately notes Audrey-Anne, a worker at Info-aide sexual violence. She asks that her last name not be used to protect the anonymity of those who contact her.
“When we speak out loud, we hear ourselves. We hear the violence experienced, so it is more difficult psychologically” than in writing, adds communications officer Laure Sabatier.
More anonymous
For almost a year, Info-aide sexual violence has offered, in addition to its telephone line, the possibility of chatting with workers. And this online service is now available at any time of the day or night.
Photo Erika Aubin
The resource dedicated specifically to victims of sexual violence, regardless of their age or gender identity, is unique in the province.
“It had become a need, especially to reach young people who are less likely to pick up the phone to call us,” explains Deborah Trent, director of the Center for Sexual Assault Victims of Montreal, the organization responsible for Info-aide .
Deborah Trent, director of the Montreal Center for Victims of Sexual Assault, the organization responsible for Info-Aide.
Photo Erika Aubin
“You can be chatting on your cell phone and people around you don’t know it. It allows another level of anonymity,” she explains.
Headlights in the night
At night, the service is in high demand. About a third of requests take place during the new schedule, from midnight to noon. The after-effects of sexual violence often manifest as insomnia, flashbacks and nightmares.
“People wake up panicked. These are often moments of crisis and this is reflected in the chat,” explains to Newspaper a worker on night shifts.
The online tool also makes it possible to reach more recently victimized people, according to CVASM data.
“When you have just experienced an attack, it is difficult to put into words what happened. In writing, it gives the opportunity to verbalize it for the first time, but in a thoughtful way,” says speaker Audrey-Anne.
According to her, the anonymity of chat also removes the feeling of judgment and shame that victims too often feel.
The Info-aide sexual violence chat tool receives an average of 185 requests per month. Among all those who use it, we find above all:
More people aged 14 to 17 are contacting them through chat. This method offers more anonymity and reaches people who cannot necessarily call. This is the case for minors, who often live under the same roof as their attacker.
People who have experienced sexual violence in the last five days, or even in the last 12 months, together represent 27% of interventions on the chat, while it is 21% on the telephone line.
Victims, some of whom already have psychological support, contact the helpline during periods of crisis. “Especially at night. We can talk for an hour, not necessarily about the attack, but rather about how they feel,” explains a speaker. She sometimes helps with relaxation and breathing techniques.
Those who receive a disclosure may also face consequences. “We give tips to better support the person or what type of reaction to encourage. We recall the importance of the victim being able to make their own decisions. Even if that’s not necessarily what we would have done,” explains speaker Audrey-Anne.