Feedback on the development of a digital innovation in the context of participatory research: the AinoAid chatbot in the fight against domestic violence on Réunion

• In Event: Interventions, support and advocacy in VAWG

Abstract

My presentation analyses the strategies and methods I used to involve different stakeholders from La Réunion in the development and testing of a new digital tool to support domestic violence victims. This tool is a conversational AI developed as part of the Horizon Europe IMPROVE project: the chatbot AinoAid. It was developed on the basis of social science research carried out in 7 countries on the needs of victims and the barriers they face in accessing and using support services. Réunion was chosen for the participatory development of this AI because it is both one of the most affected by domestic violence and one of the most involved in the fight against it.

A tool of this type meets with apprehension and resistance on the part of both potential users - victims, but also their relatives and the professionals concerned - and the stakeholders who are called upon to promote and disseminate this tool at local level. To overcome this resistance, we have adopted an action research approach that is firmly rooted in existing networks of experts and stakeholders. The strategy consists of using the resources and prestige of the European project to strengthen and structure local networks. In particular, we helped to build an interface between research and stakeholders in the form of a working group and a scientific journal supported by the main local policy centre on domestic violence (ORVIFF). The consolidation of this group and the creation of this journal have stimulated the organisation of numerous training and experience-sharing activities between professionals, creating a potential audience for AinoAid. The local presence and credibility acquired thanks to this network and its knowledge transfer work have made it possible to successfully contact, raise awareness among and mobilise a large number of local stakeholders, particularly in the healthcare sector.

Author

• Margarita Vassileva, CNRS Laboratoire PACTE