During the COVID-19 pandemic, Snapchat has expanded its efforts to combat domestic violence worldwide. In doing so, they have partnered with Twilio and the National Network to End Domestic Violence.
As part of the app’s “Here For You” initiative, Snapchat will partner with the National Network to End Domestic Violence to provide more resources for those who are experiencing domestic violence. These resources will also help those who are trying to assist a friend who is experiencing domestic violence.
Meanwhile, Twilio has offered $2 million in cash grants for organizations that provide domestic violence support through the app via text or voice chat.
“Nothing is more important than the safety and wellbeing of our community. We hope these new resources will give Snapchatters and their loved ones the help and support they need to stay both physically and emotionally safe while following shelter in place and other public health guidelines,” Snapchat VP of Public Policy Jen Stout said.
“The additional impact on people from COVID, such as depression, abuse and hunger, are significant. We want to help the organizations on the front line. The people who are providing crisis support on these hotlines are some of the unsung heroes of this pandemic,” Twilio Chief Social Impact Officer Erin Reilly said.
These support services will come in handy as quarantine measures could stay in place for another six months in certain countries. Last month, the United Nations warned that six months of quarantine could lead to an additional 31 million cases of domestic violence globally.
