Richmond student launches platform to help domestic abuse victims

A Richmond student is behind the launch today of a website aimed at helping victims of domestic abuse access a network of “safe spaces.”

“In this time of crisis, we must support those fighting the silent pandemic of domestic abuse happening behind closed doors.”

That’s the view of Vedanshi Vala, co-founder and executive director of “Safe Hubs,” at the BOLT Safety Society.

Vala – a UBC science student and McRoberts secondary alumnus – said her platform at https://www.boltsafety.org/safehubs will help people find locally available “support services for survivors, and access other content on the platform. This includes self-defense tips from community experts, and connecting with a network of ‘Safe Buddies’.

“Safe Hubs is about showing that we stand with survivors, and will work together to create safe spaces.”

Domestic violence reports have surged during the pandemic, with more people spending more time at home.

The Safe Hubs project also collaborates with local businesses to create a network of safe locations, and is supported with a grant from TakingITGlobal, the federal government and Canada Service Corps.

Upon the launch of the pilot project on Monday, Aug. 31, Safe Hubs resources will be available for free on the BOLT Safety’s mobile platform at boltsafety.org/join.

The BOLT Safety Society is a youth-operated, federal not-for-profit.