Sophia Chat
A confidential, 24/7 AI chatbot from Swiss NGO Spring ACT that provides expert-reviewed information on domestic violence, safety planning, legal options, and connections to local services—available anonymously worldwide in 25+ languages.
Project Description
Sophia is an AI-powered, privacy-preserving chatbot designed to help people understand and address domestic violence and unhealthy relationships. Accessible via web and WhatsApp without creating an account, it offers round-the-clock, judgment-free guidance on recognising abuse, exploring legal rights and next steps, and building a safety plan at the user’s pace. The system pairs general information with jurisdiction-relevant resources, including helplines, shelters, emergency services, and other local providers.
The service emphasizes confidentiality. Conversations can be conducted anonymously; a built-in “Digital Safe” lets users store messages, photos, and recordings privately for later reference or documentation needs. Sophia is built with security and encryption measures to reduce risk if a device is shared or monitored. The design goal is to lower the threshold for first contact while preserving user control over what is disclosed and when.
In operation since the pandemic, Sophia has hosted more than 41,000 conversations and is used in 172 countries. It supports 25+ languages; in Peru, for example, it communicates in Spanish and Quechua and routes to institutions such as Women’s Emergency Centers (CEM) and the National Police. Content and routing information are reviewed with subject-matter experts so that guidance remains consistent and culturally relevant, and the system draws on a verified database rather than open-ended web searches.
Sophia complements, rather than replaces, human services. It aims to shorten the time between private inquiry and effective support by connecting users to appropriate local actors and by providing clear, step-by-step information. Where appropriate, the chatbot encourages contact with in-country services and emergency responders, recognizing the limits of remote, informational assistance in safety-critical situations.
Developed by Spring ACT, a Swiss non-profit focused on technology for social impact, Sophia was created with and for survivors, in collaboration with domestic-violence practitioners, legal professionals, and local organizations. The result is a global entry point to reliable information, discrete documentation, and tailored handoffs that can help users take informed steps toward safety and support.