SafeSpace is an educational and support platform created by the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County (DVCCC). Our goal is to provide teens and young adults with information, resources, and access to trained Youth Counselors on topics related to: • Healthy relationships • Consent and boundaries • Recognizing warning signs of abuse • Safety planning and support options SafeSpace is free, confidential within legal limits, and designed to be as anonymous as possible.

SafeSpace is not a crisis line and is not monitored 24/7. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call: • 911 • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 • DVCCC 24-Hour Hotline: 1-888-711-6270

SafeSpace is not monitored around the clock. Messages and questions received outside of business hours are reviewed the next time a Youth Counselor is available. If you need immediate help outside of business hours, please use the emergency resources listed on this page. Do not wait for a SafeSpace response in an emergency situation.

By using SafeSpace, you agree to: • Use the platform for its intended educational and support purposes • Submit questions and content in good faith • Respect the privacy and safety of others • Not submit false or misleading information when requesting help • Not attempt to harm, disrupt, or misuse the platform or its users

Youth Counselors who respond to questions and help requests are trained advocates — not licensed therapists, attorneys, or medical professionals. • Counselors provide support, education, and referrals • They do not provide clinical diagnoses, legal advice, or emergency intervention • Their guidance is general and may not apply to every specific situation SafeSpace provides general education and supportive information only. It is not a substitute for professional therapy, legal services, medical care, or emergency intervention.

SafeSpace uses automated tools to help identify crisis-related language and provide educational resources. Important things to know about our AI features: • AI suggestions are always reviewed by a trained DVCCC Youth Counselor before any response is sent • AI tools do not make decisions, contact emergency services, or replace human judgment • AI-generated content is used to support — not replace — the work of trained advocates • No personal data is shared with AI service providers beyond what you type in your message

Your conversations with SafeSpace and DVCCC counselors are confidential, with important legal exceptions: Under Pennsylvania law, counselors are mandated reporters. If they learn of suspected abuse or neglect of a minor (anyone under 18), they may be required to report it to child protective services — even if you ask them not to. This law exists to protect young people. Counselors will explain the process and support you through it.

We collect only what is necessary to provide support. Quiz results are stored on your device, not our servers. We do not sell or share your data. For full details, see our Privacy Policy.

SafeSpace is intended for users ages 14 and older. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 14, in accordance with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). If we learn that information was submitted by someone younger than 14, it will be promptly deleted. If you are under 14 and need help, please talk to a trusted adult or call one of the hotlines listed above.

• All questions submitted anonymously are reviewed and may be moderated before being published • Questions may be edited for clarity or to remove identifying information before posting • DVCCC reserves the right not to answer questions that are off-topic, inappropriate, or potentially harmful • Counselor responses represent DVCCC guidance, not personal professional opinions • Response times vary — questions are answered as counselor availability allows

We are committed to making SafeSpace usable by everyone, including people with disabilities. If you encounter accessibility barriers or need materials in another language, please contact us.

We use industry-standard encryption and secure data handling practices. However, no system is 100% secure. Please use caution when sharing sensitive information online.

SafeSpace may link to third-party websites, apps, or services for educational purposes. We do not control these external resources and are not responsible for their content or privacy practices.

SafeSpace and DVCCC are not liable for: • Decisions you make based on information provided here • Technical issues, service interruptions, or data loss • Actions taken by third parties you contact through our resources This service is provided "as is" for educational and supportive purposes.

We may update these Terms of Use from time to time. Continued use of SafeSpace after changes are posted means you accept the new terms.