Detecting abusive relationships for children though gamified 3D simulations

An estimate of 2.2 million children in the UK has experienced abuse that only they and the perpetrator know about, and reports indicate that the number has massively increased in the COVID-19 lockdown.

In total, the UK has more than 1.5 million adults who systematically interact with children, either in a professional or on a voluntarily basis, but few are specifically trained on how to best get a child to disclose a potentially abusive relationship.

In 2018, Attensi created an innovative, gamified 3D simulation that allows grown-ups to train in a virtual, yet realistic environment on how these difficult discovery conversations can unfold, building knowledge, confidence and a feeling of mastery for those who use it. The solution has received considerable traction in Norway, and 98% of users state that this solution has made them more confident in having these conversations in real-life.

Attensi will now, funded by Innovate UK, make the next and improved iteration of this training tool, specific for the UK, and let schools, sports clubs, the NHS and others use the training tool free-of-charge.

The ultimate goal, though, is not only to increase the level of mastery for grown-ups, but to fundamentally change the destiny of thousands of affected children who are currently suffering in silence.