The Genesis of Communia At 19, while studying in California, Olivia DeRamus experienced a life-changing event – she was sexually assaulted. This traumatic incident was compounded by a legal battle with the assailant, who sued her for defamation, making it challenging for Olivia to openly discuss her experience.
The Legal Struggle and Its Impact After the assault, Olivia faced an arduous legal battle that lasted for years. This situation was exacerbated by the financial pressures of the American legal system, where, despite innocence, defendants bear their own legal costs. Olivia found herself silenced during the proceedings, unable to share her story publicly.
A Vision for Safe Communication In her search for a safe space to discuss her experiences and connect with others, Olivia identified a significant gap in social networking platforms. This realization led to the creation of Communia, a social network specifically designed for individuals facing challenging circumstances.
Features and Focus of Communia Communia is unique in its approach to social health, offering features like journaling, mood tracking, and community support. Aimed at women and non-binary individuals, the platform allows for anonymous interactions, providing a haven for those who need to discuss sensitive issues without fear of legal ramifications or privacy invasion.
Addressing Online Abuse Beyond physical assault, Communia has become a refuge for victims of online abuse, a widespread issue affecting over one-third of women in the UK, according to the charity Refuge. The platform offers a safe place for expression, away from the hostility often encountered on traditional social media.
User Experiences with Communia Users like podcaster and former journalist Suswati Basu have found solace in Communia. Suswati, who faced homophobic, racist, and sexist abuse online, sees Communia as a haven where she can freely express herself without the fear of harassment.