Digital exploration

JoanBot

Helping victims of domestic & financial abuse begin a new life.

What if leaving an abusive relationship didn’t mean starting from zero?

This was a concept I spent time exploring before shopping it around to a few brands. I was told that there were regulatory and legal factors that would make it “burdensome” to create and run.

It’s still an idea I have a lot of love for, though.

1 in 4 women are victims of domestic violence.
99% of those cases involve financial abuse.

Abusers often cut off access to bank accounts, destroy credit, and block employment opportunities—making independence nearly impossible.

Concept

The Joan Initiative envisions a discreet, secure way for victims to build a financial foundation before leaving their abuser, without fear of discovery.

Execution

Using Facebook Messenger as a covert platform, Joan Bot allows victims to quietly set aside funds and access critical resources when they’re ready to leave.

Smartphone screen showing a messaging app with a chat titled 'Secret Conversation' with a contact named 'Joan Bot'. The contact's profile picture is a portrait of a woman with dark hair and a choker. There is a lock icon indicating encryption, and at the bottom, a blue link to 'Start Secret Conversation'.

Built-in payment functionality to facilitate secure transactions, enabling victims to secretly store money for later use

A smartphone screen displaying a chatbot interface with a conversation titled 'Joan Bot', featuring a message button labeled 'Menu' at the top right, and shortcuts such as 'Help', 'Balance', 'Recent', and 'Manage Notification' below. The bottom shows a text input field with options like 'Dashboard', 'Balance', and 'Connect with an expert'.

Facebook Messenger

Messenger was chosen for its unique capabilities

Secret messages with end-to-end encryption and disappearing text

iPhone screen showing a payment request of $14.25 from Joan Bot in a digital payment app with options to request or pay and a numeric keypad for entering amounts.

Instant access to tools and support services via chatbot queries

Joan Bot acts as both a safety net and a lifeline—offering victims privacy, control, and a roadmap to freedom.

iPhone screen showing a chatbot conversation with Joan Bot, introducing itself and explaining privacy features, with a message indicating the chat will disappear in five seconds.

Secure entry into a secret conversation with JoanBot

iPhone screen showing a chat with Joan Bot and a timer setting menu open, with options for 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 30 seconds, and 1 minute.

Disappearing messages to ensure privacy and safety of user

Smartphone screen showing a chat conversation with a chatbot named Joan Bot, with menu options for Help, Balance, Recent, and Manage Notification settings, and links to Dashboard, Balance, and Connect with an expert.

Quick menu access to check balance balance of funds, access help, and connect to experts

A smartphone screen displaying a conversation with a bot named Joan Bot on a messaging app, showing instructions about setting up a bank account and transferring money, with a blue 'Transfer Money' button at the bottom.

Step-by-step savings plan guidance to build a safe exit fund

iPhone screen showing a payment request of $14.25 to Joan Bot with options to request or pay, a keypad for entering amount, and a note section.

Secure, encrypted transfers directly from Messenger

A smartphone screen displaying a messaging app with a conversation from Joan Bot advising on domestic abuse resources, including a map of nearby lawyer offices, and a red text note indicating the message will disappear in five seconds.

Automated resource recommendations with location-based support

(If you know anyone or have any connections who might be able to help make this happen, please reach out.)