The digital solution to ‘plan a safe journey’ for your everyday life
As per the UN Women report, an estimated 736 million women worldwide, almost one in three, have experienced physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual violence, or both in their lifetime.
Many times, walking outside the home is a problem for women. To that end, an app called WalkSafe was created in the United Kingdom to help women feel safe walking alone in the dark.
WalkSafe is the brainchild of 34-year-old Emma Kay, who, as a daughter of a Metropolitan Police officer, was subject to many rules to keep her and her siblings stay safe when out and about.
For a safer route
It features a map that allows people to plan the safest route home, displaying recent crime data in the area. The app encourages precautionary measures to avoid crime instead of reactionary measures in dangerous situations. Ex-police detectives and crime analysts review the data to categorize the map into relevant information for users, including crime hotspots, so that they can choose safer routes.
WalkSafe recognised the need for digital solutions to improve safety and security and established a mission to provide safety data through accessible apps and platforms.
Their app, WalkSafe, combines police crime data, community-reported data, and soon-to-be CCTV and “safe zone” data on maps with information icons, enabling users to plan safer journeys and understand local crime hotspots. The app also has a feature that allows users to plot their walks and monitor their journeys with the help of a “circle of protectors.”
The goal of WalkSafe is to make the world safer, and they believe their app and company strategy will contribute to this cause.
Features
WalkSafe is a personal safety app designed for walking or running alone. The app provides real-time audio alerts and safety tips to help users stay safe and be aware of their surroundings. The app also has an “Emergency” feature that allows users to call for help in dangerous situations quickly.
Additionally, users can set a “Guardian” who will receive alerts and location updates during their walk or run, providing added peace of mind. In addition to these features, it provides
Location Awareness: The app uses GPS technology to track the user’s location and provide relevant safety tips based on their surroundings. For example, it may provide tips on staying safe in low-light conditions or avoiding certain areas at night.
User-friendly: The app is designed to be user-friendly, with a simple interface that makes it easy for people of all ages to use. The audio alerts are clear and concise, providing users with important safety information in real-time.
Regular Updates: The developers of WalkSafe are committed to improving the app and regularly release updates that add new features and fix any bugs. This ensures that the app continues to provide users with a high level of safety and protection.
Cross-platform: WalkSafe is available on both iOS and Android platforms, allowing users to download and use the app on their preferred devices. This makes it accessible to a wide range of users, regardless of their device type.
Having personal safety apps like WalkSafe can benefit people walking or running alone, especially in unfamiliar or potentially dangerous environments.
To conclude
It is important to remember that personal safety apps are not a substitute for common sense and good judgment. Users should still be aware of their surroundings, stay alert, and take other precautions to stay safe, even when using a personal safety app.
Additionally, users should always be mindful of the limitations of technology and not rely solely on the app for their personal safety.
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Emma Kay’s work on the WalkSafe app is indeed commendable, as it addresses a critical issue of personal safety and provides a digital solution to help people feel safer while walking or running alone. This app is a testament to her dedication to making the world a safer place. Keep up the great work, Emma!