Yuanzhong Family and Community Development Service Center, a Beijing based NGO looking to provide legal services and address the diverse needs of victims of gender-based violence, recently launched China’s first domestic violence assistance WeChat applet (WeChat Mini Program).
Funded by the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives, Yuanzhong spent about half a year developing and fine-tuning the applet, in order to help those in need identify domestic violence and get information about where the nearest anti-domestic violence charity is, how to apply for emergency aid, and more.
In response to common problems encountered during the process of seeking help, the applet is easily accessible through WeChat and provides services such as domestic violence information and guidance for users to self-assess the dangers of their intimate relationships.
Through the applet, users can also phone the Yuanzhong hotline directly with one click and apply for the organization’s online emergency assistance. The hotline offers legal aid as well as other advice and services.
According to Yuanzhong, the applet is named “help for domestic violence” due to the high incidence of domestic violence and the large number of victims. In addition to domestic violence victims, the applet also offers services for victims of other types of violence against women and children, such as sexual assault and sexual harassment.
