Thames offers route to support on its website for domestic abuse victims

Thames Water has become the first water company to provide an "Online Safe Spaces" service to support victims of domestic abuse.

‘Online Safe Spaces’ is a virtual portal which provides a pop-up window on a company’s website to help abuse victims access support and advice, while leaving no internet history trace. It also provides quick exit options for the person seeking information.

Thames pointed out that during the first national lockdown, the domestic abuse charity Refuge reported an increase in demand for its National Domestic Abuse Helpline services, while Women’s Aid reported lockdown restrictions and the fear of spreading the Covid-19 virus made it more difficult for women to seek support. The company said it hoped to encourage other water companies to introduce this software for the benefit of their customers and communities.

The online portal was developed by the Royal Mail Group in collaboration with crisis support charity Hestia. The postal service is offering the software to any corporate organisation that would like to support the cause for free.