SAM. A training platform for the assessment of emotional abuse of children

The assessment of emotional abuse is challenging, especially the conversation with parents or caregivers. There is a lack of established standards or training methods in education and practice for practising these sensitive conversations in a targeted manner. This is precisely where SAM comes in: The platform offers professionals and students an opportunity to realistically experience and train challenging conversational situations in an immersive VR environment. The basis is a structured guideline adapted for Switzerland that combines interviewing methods with scientifically sound criteria for assessing emotional abuse. The simulations are based on anonymized case studies and interview transcripts from real-life situations. This information forms the basis for an AI-supported conversation and is intended to help simulate responses and interactions that are as realistic as possible.

The VR environment creates a spatial and emotional connection to the virtual character. The users are directly challenged and have to react. This immersive approach enables the targeted promotion of conversation skills and reflection on one’s own stereotypes. SAM has a modular structure as a training service and can therefore be flexibly expanded: other target groups could also use the platform to practise difficult conversational skills.

SAM pursues a service-oriented approach and offers an integrated learning environment that provides users with holistic support – from preparation with specialist knowledge and case studies to conducting virtual conversations and follow-up with individual feedback, AI-supported analysis and reflective modules.