A NEW addition to the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security’s iMatter app was launched last Friday by subject Minister, Dr. Vindhya Persaud.

The new feature is a real-time chat function designed to better support victims of gender-based violence (GBV).

According to the ministry, this brand-new upgrade offers users the ability to communicate directly with trained officers, legal professionals, and counsellors through a secure and confidential messaging platform.

Notably, the chat function is especially critical for individuals who may be unable to place a phone call due to safety concerns or the presence of an abuser. In such situations, messaging offers a discreet and potentially lifesaving alternative to speaking out loud, the ministry said.

Through the chat, individuals can request assistance, seek legal guidance, or access emotional support services.

Additionally, the chat feature allows ministry personnel to engage with individuals who are already in the system, enabling follow-up and case management engagements.

Importantly, the feature is designed with survivor safety as the top priority. Before any in-person intervention is made, officers will use the chat to assess whether it is safe to proceed, ensuring that the individual is not put at risk.

The launch of this feature took place at the Hope and Justice Centre in Vergenoegen, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) further reinforcing the ministry’s commitment to expanding accessible, survivor-centred services across the country.

This development marks a significant step forward in using technology to provide responsive, compassionate, and effective support to those experiencing violence.

It was recently highlighted that the ministry has advanced efforts to combat domestic and gender-based violence locally.

Dr. Persaud, during the launch of the BRAVE programme for men, had said that the ministry is exploring ways to link the GPS-enabled panic button to the iMatter app. She affirmed that the aim of her Ministry’s multi-pronged approach is timely intervention that saves lives.

The panic button was announced by President Dr. Irfaan Ali during a PPP/C manifesto consultation earlier this month, where he said his government will introduce a digital panic button system to help victims of domestic violence to alert security agencies and receive emergency assistance quickly.
The iMatter application was launched in March of 2021 at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre during the “We Lift” Women’s Expo and was made available in the Google Play and Apple Stores in 2022.

The app has several categories including sexual violence and disability, sexual exploitation and abuse, trafficking in persons, domestic violence, child abuse, and elderly abuse.

The app has been modified several times since its launch to ensure victims are heard and receive the help or assistance they need.