Personal protection app helping women facing domestic violence

A life-saving mobile phone app linking at-risk women directly to police and domestic violence services has been provided to 46 women since it went live in late November 2018.

The personal protection app’s main safety feature includes a “duress feature”, which links women at immediate risk of harm directly to authorities.

So far, the duress feature has been used 11 times by women in danger. Each time the feature is activated, the alarm alerts a 24/7 monitoring centre to contact SA Police for a quick police response.

This personal protection app is making South Australian women and children safer because they have direct access to emergency support services when they need it. Women who have used the app say it provides them with a sense of comfort knowing that a quick police response is part of their safety plan.

The app is available to all South Australian women experiencing domestic or family violence, if deemed appropriate as part of their safety plan.

Qualified domestic violence counsellors from the 24/7 Domestic Violence Crisis Line work with women to assess their situation and determine the best plan forward.

The app was funded by State Government funding of $150,000 in the 2018–19 State Budget, which includes funding for the 24/7 monitoring of the app.

The name of the app is not being disclosed, to protect the privacy of those using it and ensure perpetrators do not know about it.

Domestic Violence Crisis Line: Phone 1800 800 098

Page last updated 4 October 2023