Today, November 25th, marks the United Nation’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, an annual call to action that kicks off 16 days of activism against gender-based violence. Across Australia, and the world, this period serves as a reminder of the pervasive impact of violence on women and the urgent need for innovation, advocacy, and tangible support to address it.
In this spirit of progress, one of the most groundbreaking advancements this year is the launch of “Ask Aunty”, an AI-powered platform designed to reimagine how survivors of domestic violence share their stories and access critical support. This tool reflects a powerful convergence of technology and compassion, and it has the potential to significantly improve the lives of victim-survivors.
A hackathon with heart
Earlier this year, Avanade, in collaboration with Microsoft and key government agencies, hosted the Empowering Survivors Hackathon. The event brought together 88 participants across seven teams, challenging them to develop technological solutions to address some of the most pressing issues faced by victim-survivors of domestic violence. Four use cases were central to this challenge: Namely: service navigation; information sharing; coercive control and; technology-facilitated abuse.
The result was seven innovative prototypes, with “Ask Aunty” emerging as the judges’ top pick. This platform stood out not only for its technical sophistication but also for its empathy-driven design.
What is “Ask Aunty”?
“Ask Aunty” leverages artificial intelligence to provide survivors with a secure and supportive environment to share their experiences. Unlike the traditional, often overwhelming online forms that victims currently face when seeking assistance, this platform simplifies the process in a way that feels intuitive, private, and emotionally sensitive.
Here’s how “Ask Aunty” works:
1. Simplified Communication. Survivors can recount their experiences in their own words, bypassing complicated bureaucratic forms. For example, the platform acts as an interpreter, translating their stories and needs into actionable support requests.
2. Iterative Support. The platform is designed to stay with survivors throughout their journey. Whether they are applying for domestic violence orders, setting up new bank accounts, or accessing housing support, “Ask Aunty” integrates with key services to offer tailored guidance every step of the way.
3. AI-Driven Efficiency. Finally, one of the most powerful features of “Ask Aunty” is its ability to store and summarise survivors’ key events. This not only reduces the need for victims to repeatedly relive their trauma but also ensures their stories are accurately relayed to relevant support services, expediting the help they need.
A future free of domestic violence
Globally, domestic violence affects a staggering number of women. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in three women worldwide, or approximately 736 million women, experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, most often at the hands of an intimate partner. Intimate partner violence is the most common form, with 27% of women aged 15-49 reporting physical or sexual abuse by a partner. These staggering statistics underscore the urgent need for innovative solutions like “Ask Aunty.” For many survivors, the process of seeking help can be retraumatising, with endless forms, repeated storytelling, and unclear pathways to support. By addressing these pain points, “Ask Aunty” offers survivors a lifeline that is both practical and compassionate.
The platform’s emphasis on user-centric design ensures it doesn’t just meet survivors where they are. It walks alongside them, providing guidance, empathy, and efficiency at every stage. In doing so, “Ask Aunty” essentially, helps empower survivors to rebuild their lives without being burdened by unnecessary obstacles.
Ultimately, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women reminds us that addressing domestic violence requires more than just awareness – it demands action. Technological solutions like “Ask Aunty” represent a significant step forward in how society can support victim-survivors, leveraging the power of AI to address systemic barriers with sensitivity and care.
