Google rolls out new search feature to help domestic violence, sexual assault victims

A new search feature has been rolled out by Google, as part of a tie up with the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), to help potential victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault.

Searches containing terms relating to family violence and sexual assault will now display the National Anti-Violence and Sexual Harassment Helpline (NAVH) as the top result. 

Some of these terms include “domestic violence”, “my partner is hitting me” and “sexual assault”.

According to Google, the list of relevant terms and keywords will be revised over time to include more notable related searches.

The introduction of this search feature comes amid a steady increase in enquiries and new cases of domestic violence. In 2020, the NAVH received over 4,500 enquiries. 

Minister of State for Social and Family Development, and Education Sun Xueling shared that since May 1, MSF has enhanced the NAVH to be the one-stop helpline for anyone to report violence, including sexual violence and sexual harassment.

“Through this initiative with Google, witnesses or victim-survivors of violence will be able to get access to help more quickly. 

“MSF appreciates the partnership with Google to raise awareness of the NAVH, which complements our ongoing public education efforts to tackle violence,” she added.