Kiwis who frequently shop online may have noticed a green-and-white computer icon at the bottom of websites for major local brands - think The Warehouse, Noel Leeming, Countdown - and fleetingly wondered what it symbolises.
The symbol opens a secure, non-traceable pop-up portal that allows the user to access crucial resources if they are at risk of family violence - without leaving evidence on their browser history.
The Women's Refuge Shielded Site Project - locatable via a half-green, half-white icon of a computer screen - is not a new phenomenon. However, a recent Facebook post in a women's community group outlining the function of the button attracted surprise from users, with many unaware of its purpose.
The Shielded Site Project provides access to helpful advice for people in danger of family violence, presenting six options: In Danger, Getting Help, Getting Out, Making a Plan, Online Safety and Need Answers.
The pop-up provides information on how to make a plan to safely get out of a dangerous situation, tips on how to stay safe online - particularly if a user suspects their history is being monitored - and what to do next.
It also offers a live chat and contact form for victims to use.
"We've made asking for help safer than ever," says the Women's Reguge Shielded website.
"We've created a tool for victims of abuse to ask for help, without fear of it showing up in their browser's history or an abusive partner ever seeing it. A simple icon which can sit on any website and launch a powerful resource to help end domestic violence."
The Shielded Site can be added to any company website and is designed to work on desktop, tablet and mobile.
For more information on how to add the Shielded Site to a webpage, click here.
