Powa launches an app to help fight abuse
During women's month, Powa launched an app to assist abused women.
People Opposing Women Abuse (Powa) recently launched an application (app) aimed at helping victims of gender-based violence at a function on Braamfontein’s Constitution Hill.
Gender-based violence (GBV) has been making headlines on most media platforms for a while. Once the app has been downloaded onto either Android or iPhone Operating System devices, users will be instructed to fill their contact details and those of people to contact in case of emergency. There is an ‘Around Me’ option on the welcome page, which directs abuse victims to places where help is offered, and they can also report incidents of violence in the places on the map.
A panic button will call a pre-programmed number instantly when pressed. The location of the user will be picked up automatically and users will be enabled to enter the name of the survivor, a description of the abuse and the contact information of the survivor whenever an incident is reported via the app. It is not compulsory for the victims to report the incident themselves, and reporters of abuse are allowed to remain anonymous. After the report, a social worker will contact the victim to help with shelter, should it be needed.
Amanda Mona of Krugersdorp downloaded the app on her smartphone on the day it was launched.
“I have never been directly affected by GBV, but this is groundbreaking and should be able to help women in dangerous situations when they can’t make phone calls.
I have registered on the app home-page with my details and I can report someone else being abused,” said Amanda.
Powa says the app will link victims with both the private and the public sector and the command centre of the Department of Social Development to initiate the location of the survivor.
To download the app, go to your smartphone’s app store, type in ‘POWA GBV’ and get started.
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