Our confidential chat service is available in several languages – English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Somali, Tigrinya, and Fula.
- The chat is very easy, it works like Skype or WhatsApp.To access it, you don’t need an email address or a phone number.
- By clicking on “Chat”, you will be redirected to an online conversation.
- It is important that you allow access to the camera and microphone. If you do not want to be recognised, you can always disable the camera once the conversation has started.
- If there is no discussion in progress, the conversation will start right away. If there is an ongoing discussion, we kindly ask you to wait as you will be put on hold.
Tips on how to chat to us safely
Here are some tips that might make it easier/safer for you to chat to us privately and securely.
- Establish a safe word, phrase or signal to let us know that you need the police to be contacted.
- If possible, set up your phone, computer, laptop or iPad in a secure space where you can get some privacy and where you know there will be no interruptions.
- If you are unable to gain privacy, find a secure location outside or away from your home e.g. your car or on your daily walk.
- If possible, use headphone to minimise the conversation that might be heard.
- To ensure your privacy and security, delete your browser history following the session. Here are some instructions on how to do this.
- Make sure you log out after every session.
What to do in an emergency?
If you or someone you know is an immediate risk of violence or FGM, call the police on 999. If you are unable to talk, you can make a Silent Call from your mobile to the police by dialing 999– then 55. This will alert the police that you are in an emergency. Here is more guidance on how to make a silent call.
