Use these personal safety apps to protect yourself

With the high levels of gender-based harassment, abuse and violence in South Africa, women need to take extraordinary lengths to keep themselves safe as they lead their daily lives.

Technology isn’t a silver bullet for the horrific levels of gender-based violence in our society, but apps and smartphones offer another tool that women can use to protect themselves.

Alcatel shares some of the personal safety apps and resources available on Android smartphones and other digital platforms:

• BSafe
BSafe is a personal safety app with features such as a touch- or voice-activated SOS alarm, live-streaming of your GPS location, camera and audio feed when the alarm is active so guardians can find you if you’re in trouble, fake calls to interrupt unpleasant or threatening situations and follow me live GPS tracking.

• rAInbow
Accessed via Facebook Messenger, rAInbow democratises access to information and support for victims of domestic violence, their friends and their families.

It provides a safe space for those at risk of entering controlling relationships, including victims and survivors of domestic violence, to access information about their rights, support options and where they can find help – in friendly, simple language.

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• MYSOS SA
MySOS Emergency app offers you access to emergency assistance when you don’t know who to call, don’t know where you are, want to notify your mySOS contacts about your emergency and the exact SOS location, or want to navigate services directly to your location in an emergency.

The Near Me feature offers you access to contact details and addresses for doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, dentists, vets and police stations in South Africa, while Track Me can be used to track any journey in the country.

• Namola
This mobile safety solution allows South Africans to keep themselves and their loved ones safe and connected and get the best emergency assistance straight to their location when needed.

You and your loved ones can share locations via GPS to keep each other safe and receive smart alerts when you or they travel.

In addition to these free features, there is an optional monthly subscription service called Namola Plus. It lets you alert armed response or private emergency medical services in a crisis.

• Eyewatch SOS for women
When you feel threatened, you can use Eyewatch to send your location, audio and video signature to your protectors. They can check your location, audio and video and come to help you if necessary.

• Bull Horns panic button
This app turns your phone into a panic button. Simply shake your phone to alert your friends, family and security company to help you at your exact location.

There is an optional service in South Africa to get help from the nearest PSIRA-registered armed responder on the Aura network.

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