Google to display domestic violence hotline on related searches – CNET

Survivors of intimate partner violence searching for help may now have easier access to the National Domestic Violence Hotline thanks to a new feature launched by Google.

Starting Tuesday, when people in the US search for information related to domestic violence on Google, “they will see a box at the top of the search results displaying the contact information for The (National Domestic Violence) Hotline – with direct access to our phone and chat services” the technology company said in a blog post. “This will help survivors, especially those in crisis, get the information and connection to the 24/7 support they need quickly and with less scrolling.” 

According to data provided by The Hotline cited by Google, domestic violence affects more than 12 million people in the United States every year. The Hotline is the only national 24-hour domestic violence hotline providing compassionate support, life-saving resources and personalized safety planning via phone, online chat and text, according to Google.

The Hotline’s mission is “to answer the call to support and shift power back to those affected by relationship abuse — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,” according to Google. Questions and advice Hotline’s advocates can help survivors with include managing your search and browsing history, using computers found at your local library, internet cafe or shelter, and setting up an alternate email account that a partner doesn’t know about.

This isn’t the first time Google has partnered with a national association to help other at-risk communities get quick access to help and resources. “Help is available. Speak with someone today,” reads, for example, a similar box displaying the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline contact information at the top of Google search results when users search for related information.

The National Suicide Prevention Hotline is one of many suicide and crisis intervention hotlines available to call or text when in need of help.

We’ve reached out to Google and The Hotline for additional comment and will update this story when we hear back.

If you feel like you or someone you know is in immediate danger, you should call 911 (or your country’s local emergency line) or go to an emergency room to get immediate help.