Violence is a serious problem that the world faces today. According to the World Health Organization, violence-caused injuries are among the causes of deaths of around 4.4 million people across the globe each year. This is also one of the top five causes of death. Yikes.
For people who have just been victims of violence, such as after a party at the club, or simply while jogging around your community at night, turn to the authorities, such as the police, to help them cope and reach home safely. But, there’s this often-neglected gray area that could offer immense help for these victims: ridesharing.
In lieu of this, Uber has taken the right action by launching their Hope Rides, an initiative that will help survivors of these incidents in a significant way. This is in partnership with Alliance for HOPE International. This institution is dedicated to ending domestic violence and other related forms of abuse through the provision of training, resources, and advocacies.
“Every day, survivors of violence face a critical and often invisible barrier to safety: transportation. Today, we’re taking a step forward to change that. Uber is proud to launch Hope Rides, a new partnership with Alliance for HOPE International to help survivors of interpersonal violence reach critical support services,” Uber said in their statement.
So, how does this partnership work?
Through this initiative, the world’s top ridesharing app will provide more than $250,000 in ride credits to 15 FJCs or Family Justice Centers across nine states, in order to help survivors safely access trauma-informed care, legal assistance, housing resources, and other essential services.
These Family Justice Centers will be distinctly positioned to offer support for survivors by offering wraparound services under a singular roof. These services include legal assistance, case management, healthcare, and even counselling.
FJCs are ready to provide the most comprehensive, trauma-informed care in a streamlined system, such as in just one location. With this, victims of violence could easily book their Uber rides to get to their turfs and homes in the safest ways possible.
Tony West, Uber’s chief legal officer, spoke with Ridesharing Forum, saying, “Hope Rides is more than transportation—it’s a lifeline. By meeting survivors exactly where they are, it offers a compassionate bridge to safety, shelter, counseling, and legal support. It’s about empowering each person to take that first courageous step toward healing and hope.”
Alliance for HOPE International president, Casey Gwinn, who is also the visionary behind the Family Justice Center movement in the American region, told this team, “Transportation for domestic violence survivors saves lives. Survivors often don’t seek help because they cannot access the lifesaving services of Family Justice Centers. Uber’s support for no-cost rides for survivors will be the difference between life and death for survivors and their children in 15 Family Justice Center communities in this country.”
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