Next Step does NOT have a text or chat service. Beware text or chat services may be AI. To speak with an advocate please call 1-800-315-5579.

Image of person talking with ChatBot coming out of a cell phone.

 

Considerations of using AI chatbots for Domestic Violence Support

  Privacy Risks:

→ Confidentiality Rules: Advocates at Domestic Violence Resource Centers (DVRC) are held to very high confidentiality standards to protect you and your privacy. These advocates have to follow rules put in place by the Violence Against Women’s Act saying that they can’t even confirm or deny knowing or working with you to anyone without your clear consent. AI Chatbots do NOT fall under these requirements. In fact, there are current court orders that require these platforms to save all information and conversations had (even if you delete them) and they can even be pulled to be used in court.

→ Device Monitoring: Abusers may be able to monitor the chats if they have access to your phone or if they have knowledge of how to hack into the platform you’re using. Any safety plan or information you talk about with the chatbot could be seen by the person abusing you.

Accuracy:

→ Misinformation: AI chatbots pull information from a lot of different places in order to provide responses. A lot of this information could be outdated or misleading. The best way to get accurate and updated information on resources and safety planning is to talk with an advocate at your local DVRC.

→ Inconsistent Advice: The AI Chatbot may be designed to agree with you and go along with the conversation you are having. These platforms may actually contradict the best practices for safety planning by suggesting or agreeing with unsafe strategies that could put you at a higher risk of being harmed.

→ Non-specific Information: The advocates at your local DVRC will be able to provide you with information and resources that are accurate to your specific location. AI Chatbots may offer irrelevant, incorrect, or outdated information and make it more difficult for you to find resources that will actually help.