2 Apps That Help Women Feel Safer

Sexual harassment is on the rise. Hollywood’s revealing of mass sexual harassment has led to, what seems like, everyone claiming sexual harassment. Celebrities that have come under fire in recent days include: Bruce Weber, Matt Lauer, Jeffrey Tambor, Bill Cosby and of course, Kevin Spacey, to name a few.

Hollywood is being accused of covering up the widespread problem that has impacted both men and women. “Remember that old adage that the cover-up is sometimes worse than the crime? A corollary exists for women grappling with their response to sexual discrimination, harassment and violence. The psychological toll of silence is sometimes as debilitating as the event itself, ” writes Schaefer Hallen.

But regular citizens are also being thrown in the middle of sexual harassment. Many of these individuals, often women, do not have a voice to help fight against the harassment they face.

App developers have created several free apps, aimed at college women, but can be used by anyone.

The top apps that are helping women feel safer going into 2018 include:

1. bSafe

bSafe is an app that focuses on safety concerns as you travel. You can add a primary contact to the app, it’s required, but you can add as many friends as you want to your list, too. The app allows your friends to have a look into your life in a good way.

The app allows you to:

• Alert friends of a problem with a single tap. All you need to do is tap the “SOS” button. You have the option for a siren noise to be made, too. bSafe will start recording voice and video when the button is pressed, and your location will be sent to your contacts. All data will be stored on the app’s servers so that if the worst happens, police have access to the data.
• Emergency contacts will receive a text and call that something is wrong.
• Check In options allow people to know when you arrive at a certain location safely.
• Fake Call allows you to have a fake call just in case you need to get out of a threatening situation.

You’ll also have a timer feature that allows others to be alarmed if something is amiss and a follow me feature, which allows friends to follow you wherever you go.

2. Circle of 6

The Circle of 6 app is a great app that arms women with the ability to combat violence and sexual assault. The app revolves around your “circle” of friends. Six friends are added into your trust circle, and these friends will be able to help you if you’re in need.

Using your phone’s GPS, the app will help you through text messages.

A few of the messaged, automated options are available, which can ask your circle of friends to help if:

• You need an excuse to leave a situation
• You need someone to help you get home safely

You also have access to a built-in hotline, which allows you to explain the emergency further. Circle of 6 is an award-winning app that makes it easy to reach out to your circle and ask for help.