In 2021, India ranked 148 out of 177 countries in the Women, Peace, and Security Index. This was the worst rank India has ever received until now, on a scale that measures what the state of all the women is in a country, based on security, justice, and inclusion. And according to a survey, 2018-2022 also noted a 12.9% increase in the crime rate against women in India.
This was probably not at all surprising to you. After all, it is all of us who look up tiny pepper spray keychains, or ways to weaponize our house keys or nail filers should the need arise. But even though we aren’t to be blamed for these conditions, at all, it might have been left to us to take our safety into our own hands.
So, here are 5 personal safety apps that might prove helpful when it comes to your safety.
1. My Safetipin
This app finds the safest route to a place and can send tracking requests to your chosen contacts when you feel unsafe. It also lets you see all the places near you that might be of use such as NGOs, police stations and even restaurants, hospitals and markets.
There is also a sister app called Safetipin Nite which clicks pictures automatically every 30 meters to collect information when you’re out at night. The app also automatically sends notifications when you stop at a place for a prolonged time, or if you’re in an unsafe area, and even if you experience a route change.
Download on – Play Store and App Store
2. bSafe: Never Walk Alone
bSafe is a well-known safety app when it comes to safety. This app gives the feature of recording audio and video automatically once it is triggered. In case your phone is in your pocket, it offers activation via voice as well. It sends all the necessary information like alerts, location, and even a live video to the selected emergency contacts.
When you’re in a situation that you cannot seem to get out of, this app can also give fake calls to your phone. In addition to providing details so your chosen contacts can help you out, this app has an inbuilt support that makes loud siren noises to alert the people nearby.
Download on – Playstore and App Store
3. Life360
This is an App for the safety of not just you but your friends and family as well. It shares the location of everyone that is added to a group every time their location is changed, sending notifications to alert the same.
Life360 can also send emergency SOS alerts to everyone when you need it, while also triggering a timer of 20 minutes. If the SOS alert is not canceled within this time frame, you will receive a call from the emergency dispatch which if unanswered will lead to the local authorities being automatically notified of your details. In this scenario, your emergency contacts will be continuously called until there is an answer. This app also offers assistant in case there’s a car crash.
Download on – Playstore and App Store
4. Women Safety
Women Safety is an app that sends an automatic email to your chosen contacts when it is triggered with your location and a Google Maps link. Not only that, it also attaches a link to pictures that are clicked automatically, one from the front camera, and the other from the back camera, along with audio or video files. These media files are also uploaded to the server of the app.
The app is easy to use with three different buttons, green for when you want to update your location and status with your contacts, orange for when you are feeling unsafe and want to be cautious, and red for when you are in danger.
Download on – Playstore
5. 112 India
112 India app is named after the actual helpline number that can be used in emergencies all over the country. In case of danger, this app sends your details, like your location, name, age, emergency and the contact details of listed guardians to the state emergency response centers. The app provides different categories of emergency; fire, medical, police, and other so all your concerns can be met in this one app.
This safety app also allows live tracking of the emergency vehicles that have been dispatched. It supports an additional ‘SHOUT’ feature for women which alerts registered volunteers that may be nearby so you can receive assistance as soon as possible.
Download on – Playstore and App Store
A couple other notable mentions that are specific to cities are Himmat Plus, developed by Delhi Police, and 56 Secure, which can be used in Bangalore.
Himmat Plus app, when triggered, sends an SOS signal to Delhi Police with an audio and video so that they know exactly what is happening. 56 Secure, a company that offers multiple security solutions, has a feature that lets you hire a bodyguard that would accompany you or someone you care about.
At the end of it all, precaution is always better than cure. Make sure to tell your friends and family about these safety apps as well so we all can prevent any mishap. And even without an app, if you see someone in need of help, try to do whatever you can. You would want someone to do the same for you.
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