Catalonia launches WhatsApp for youth to report abuse and violence
New chat aims to reach more children, as only 6.7% of calls come from minors who are less familiar with using the phone
The Catalan government's Department of Social Rights on Thursday launched totok.cat, a website designed to make it easier for children and adolescents to report abuse and violence.
The platform includes an online chat and a dedicated WhatsApp messaging service, with the aim of encouraging more young people to report such cases, as minors currently account for only 6.7% of hotline calls.
These digital platforms are more accessible to young people who are less accustomed to using traditional telephone services.
"The phone is no longer the most appropriate option," said social rights minister Mònica Martínez Bravo during the presentation of the platform.
Visitors to the website can directly access the online chat, where professionals respond to messages, questions or concerns. They can also use the WhatsApp number for the same purpose.
All communications are completely confidential, free and available 24/7.
According to the service, the most common cases received involve physical abuse (15%), followed by sexual abuse, neglect and socio-economic issues (14% each), and emotional abuse (12%).
In 2024, the Infància Respon hotline received 11,028 calls, compared to 9,264 in 2023.
While more than half of the contacts were made by professionals (53%), only 6.7% came from children or adolescents.
The new website aims to increase the number of cases reported by minors, while continuing to encourage adults to use the hotline.
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