Text and webchat for women experiencing abuse

Hamilton, ON – For immediate release, June 8, 2020.

Inasmuch House, Mission Services of Hamilton is pleased to announce the launch of Text Inasmuch, a text and online chat tool that allows women experiencing abuse and homelessness to get help and support.

“We know that since the pandemic started, incidents of violence against women have increased in both numbers and severity. At the same time, calls to crisis lines across the country are down,” says Erin Griver, Director of Inasmuch House and Women’s Services. “When women are home with their abusers, they have fewer opportunities to reach out and call our crisis line. We are hoping the ability for them to text us will make our services more easily available.”

Text Inasmuch is launching almost two months after the launch of Unsafe at Home Ottawa, a similar service created by Ottawa Coalition to End Violence Against Women, Crime Prevention Ottawa, Interval House of Ottawa and the Eastern Ottawa Resource Centre. With special thanks to the leadership and communications materials from Crime Prevention Ottawa and the Ottawa Coalition to End Violence Against Women, Text Inasmuch will be the first service of its kind in the Hamilton area.

About Text Inasmuch:

• Text and online chat service available 24 hours a day.
• Safe, encrypted technology ensures conversations are confidential and secure.
• Trained client advocates provide advice, referrals and support in English.

“Mission Services is committed to providing safety and support to all women experiencing homelessness and abuse,” says Carol Cowan-Morneau, Mission Services’ Executive Director. “We are excited to launch this program and we hope that this service will enable women to get the help that they need.” Although launched in response to decreased calls during COVID-19, Text Inasmuch will continue to support women after the pandemic has ended.

Text Inasmuch: 289.212.6399
Chat online: www.mission-services.com/textinasmuch
24-hour crisis line: 905.529.8600

For more information, please contact:
Erin Griver
Director of Inasmuch House & Women’s Services
(905) 529-8149 Ext. 301
EGriver@mission-services.com

About Us:
Mission Services of Hamilton has provided hope and opportunity for people experiencing poverty, marginalization and homelessness for almost 60 years. By putting into practice a mission to act justly, show mercy, and offer hope, Mission Services works to create healthy communities where everyone has access to good food, safe housing, and opportunities for tomorrow.

To read this press release in PDF form, click here.