Street Safe, an “App” to Prevent Sexual Abuse

Street Safe App, (Apps Against Abuse)

Street Safe is a new application that provides virtual security detail through smartphones to anyone who may feel in danger.

The application is being marketed for women and their specific goal is to prevent sexual assault. In addition, it has a silent alarm that dials the 911 emergency number and reports your GPS location and physical description, Street Safe users are supported by a team of operators who will accompany you virtually, keeping you on the phone and plotting your exact location until you stop to being afraid for your safety.

“We give you safety tips based on the situation,” said call center director, Allison Maudass to WGN Chicago. “We really focused on personal and physical safety.” Each turn in the call center is being overseen by an off-duty policeman.

Critics say that the app will not be of much help in such situations, and may even provide a false sense of security for those who download it.

The United States Rape Victim’s Defenders executive director told WGN: “Most sexual assaults happen with someone you know or your friend or someone you’re dating or used to date.”

Of course, a little extra protection is rarely a bad idea for women or men. So the United States federal government recently issued a campaign “Apps Against Abuse” in an effort to develop more ways to prevent such crimes. (ARL)