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November 06, 2015 at 8:52 AM

App Safety Centre provides information for survivors and advocates

*From the New Zealand Family Violence Clearinghouse*

The United States National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) has launched an online center which provides information and resources for the safe development and use of smartphone apps which address domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, harassment and stalking.

An increasing number of apps are available which seek to support victims of violence, communities and service providers. The App SafetyCenter includes more than 40 smartphone apps which have been tested and reviewed by the NNEDV Safety Net team in terms of safety, privacy and accuracy for the user. The Center collates the apps in four main sections:

• Apps and resources for survivors, including screening and assessing abuse and safety, personal safety apps, apps for teenagers and college students and other tools for survivors
• Apps for the public: Awareness and education
• Apps and resources for professionals working with survivors
• Information for developers

Each section includes questions and considerations for users to go through when deciding to use any of the available apps. The Center also provides a description of each app and the unique safety and privacy considerations.

The NNEDV Safety Net team will continue to add more information and review new apps as they are introduced.

The App Safety Centre is hosted by a blog which explores the intersection of technology and privacy and intimate partner violence, sexual assault and violence against women.

More information is available on the NNEDV and Technology Safety websites.

Further resources

The Clearinghouse has previously collated research and resources on preventing and responding to digital stalking.

Australia's VicHealth has published Guidelines for creating healthy living apps for people interested in creating evidence-based and effective apps which improve the health and wellbeing outcomes for users.

New Zealand's Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE) has awarded an AUT research team $2.4 million in funding for a project aimed at curbing family violence. The four year study will culminate in the release of a healthy relationships app for young people.

Visit the NZFVC website for more information