(February 25, 2015) -- Safe HelpRoom is a group chat service that allows survivors in the military to support one another in a safe online environment. HelpRoom moves beyond crisis intervention to support survivors who are ready to take the next step and engage with others impacted by this crime.
“The goal of Safe HelpRoom is to create a community of survivors, regardless of time zone or distance, while maintaining Safe Helpline’s commitment to anonymity and confidentiality,” says Katherine Fliflet, vice president of communications for RAINN.
Safe HelpRoom is built on the same secure technology that supports Safe Helpline’s Online Helpline. In order to ensure that survivors can use the service anonymously, HelpRoom has many safeguards in place: users’ IP addresses are never captured, transcripts are not saved, and no personal information is shared with SAPRO or anyone at DoD.
Sessions are moderated by a trained professional, who facilitates the conversation and provides referrals, while a staff reviewer screens all posts to make sure that no personally-identifying information is shared. Together, these precautions help keep survivors safe while still allowing them to engage with and support each other.
Safe HelpRoom has received tremendous positive feedback from survivors who have used the service. Service members at different points in their recovery process say they have benefited from hearing how others have navigated challenges such as talking to loved ones, handling military life, and reporting options.
To learn more about Safe HelpRoom or to join the conversation, please visit SafeHelproom.org.
Department of Defense (DoD) Safe Helpline provides confidential crisis support and information for members of the DoD community affected by sexual assault. You can get the help you deserve — while remaining anonymous. Safe Helpline services are provided by the DoD Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office (SAPRO) and are operated through a contract by the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization.