Some 4,000 reports lodged via 914 hotline in 2024; WhatsApp feature to be added

For 2024 so far, the violence-based 914 toll-free hotline has received some 4,000 reports, all of which were addressed appropriately.

“914 started with a few people calling in, less than 100. Now, in the year 2024, we had over 3,000–4,000 calls, and that is to tell you how many more people are calling,” Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud, said on Sunday.

And with technology advancing, Dr Persaud said efforts are currently being made to launch a WhatsApp feature, where persons will be able to file their reports through chats.

Dr Persaud made the disclosure as she was addressing the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security Gender-Based Violence Medical Symposium at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre at Liliendaal.

The 914 hotline was launched in December 2020 for the reporting of violence and child abuse. Since then, some 15,000 reports have been made.

When a call is placed to the number, a trained customer service operator will connect the caller to a social worker, who will provide the necessary consultations and refer children and parents to local service providers and other relevant agencies.

On Sunday, Dr Persaud said the hotline has been “down” for the past two days due to damage to a piece of equipment.

“But that does not mean the number itself has stopped functioning,” Dr Persaud said.

In fact, she noted that while the issue is being addressed, a temporary mechanism has been put in place to ensure that the service is still accessible via cell phones.

“The response behind 914 is also available in all of the regions,” Dr Persaud said.