Sexual violence is a cross-border crisis that deeply impacts the lives of women and girls in Latin America. Bolivia faces one of the highest rates of sexual violence in the region. According to Equality Now, one in three girls experiences sexual violence before age 18, and 70% of married women report physical or sexual abuse. In 2023, the Bolivian Public Prosecutor’s Office recorded 31 reports of sexual violence per day.
In response to this issue, Ipas Bolivia created Dra. Violeta, the first Spanish-language chatbot dedicated to providing fast, confidential, and accessible support to survivors of sexual violence.
“This tool’s primary function is to provide immediate, confidential guidance on preventing the health consequences of sexual violence at two crucial points following an assault. The first stage is within the initial 72 hours to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unwanted pregnancies resulting from assault. The second stage, beyond 72 hours, provides information in the case of pregnancy,” explains Dr. Malena Morales, Ipas Bolivia’s country director.
Dr. Malena Morales, Ipas Bolivia’s country director, is the one featured in the photos, speaking during the launch.
Alignment with WHO recommendations
With medical information based on World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, Dra. Violeta has become a reliable tool for those seeking guidance on sexual and reproductive health.
Dra. Violeta’a alignment with WHO recommendations is essential, as it ensures that the information and resources provided follow international protocols for sexual and reproductive health. Furthermore, in scenarios where access to health services is limited, such as in rural or marginalized areas, having a digital self-care tool offers not only accessibility but also an effective method to mitigate the risk of sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies. Its confidentiality and 24/7 availability allow users to access guidance in critical moments without compromising their safety or privacy.
The work of Ipas, including initiatives like Dra. Violeta, aligns closely with its mission to improve access to sexual and reproductive health, including safe abortion, especially for those in vulnerable situations. By offering guidance on reproductive rights, the chatbot empowers women and people who can become pregnant to make informed decisions about their health. This tool supports Ipas’s broader efforts to prevent unwanted pregnancies and ensure access to essential services, especially in contexts where healthcare access is limited.
How Dra. Violeta works
Available 24/7, Dra. Violeta can be reached via WhatsApp (+591 76789702) and through an online chat on its website. This availability ensures quick and discreet access from any internet-connected location, providing safe and confidential guidance.
“Our goal is to empower women and those who can become pregnant to act quickly and effectively in situations of sexual violence by providing reliable, real-time information,” comments Dr. Malena Morales, Ipas Bolivia’s country director.
Read more about Dra Violeta here.
Read more about Ipas Bolivia’s work.
