Women who are suffering domestic violence or other forms of danger might not have a friend they can contact for help and support – or at least they might feel that way. The Women’s Aid Organisation wants to help, by introducing TINA, a new SMS helpline women in danger can reach out to.
TINA – short for “Think I Need Aid” – was launched as part of the WAO’s national public education campaign in conjunction with International Women’s Day on March 8.
The WAO is a non-profit organisation with the aim of providing counselling and shelter for abused women and their children, and has been active since 1982. It also carries out advocacy work on women’s rights issues.
According to The Rakyat Post, WAO executive director Ivy Josiah said TINA is an extension of WAO’s services and takes the form of a “virtual friend”.
“At the early phase of an abusive relationship, victim survivors may not be ready to accept that they are victims of abuse.
“The thought of calling a helpline may be too much, besides SMS is becoming so much a part of our daily communications. TINA is unique as it is the first of its kind in Malaysia,” she said.
WAO advocacy officer Sally Wangsawijaya added that SMS messages would provide anonymity for victims of abuse, who might see calling a phone hotline as a barrier.
“Speaking on the phone may also be dangerous, especially if the perpetrator is close enough to hear. TINA will be approachable and appeal to the younger generation who prefers an informal chat with a friend rather than speaking to a counsellor or social worker.
“TINA will refer callers to WAO’s social workers when they are ready,” said Wangsawijaya.
The WAO sheltered 153 women, and conducted 125 face-to-face counselling sessions last year alone. 2,000 women had reached out to the WAO by telephone to ask for counselling in 2013.
The TINA SMS helpline can be reached at 018-988 8058.
Photo: 1Q78 / Flickr
