Harassment: 5 free applications to protect and defend you
In our time, we very often hear about the problem of cyber-harassment. The democratization of social networks has indeed given life to a new kind of “sport” which consists of attacking people and their reputations on the web. We would almost forget that abuses in “real” life are still present and still cause many victims each year in France. Today we are talking to you about 5 applications to download urgently if you want to protect yourself against these dangerous acts.
1-Kolibri
Let’s start with those who can sometimes suffer on a daily basis without really daring to talk about it: children. Kolibri was developed by the association Marion La Main Tendue for them and their parents. They will need to download and install the program on their respective smartphones. The two accounts will then be linked. Young people can report there if they are witnesses or targets of harassment. They will also be able to notify adults of their state of psychological health by expressing it through the weather of emotions. Kolibri finally puts all the important numbers concerning child protection at your fingertips.
2-The Sorority
Nothing beats the power of a community to fight a common evil and that’s what The Sorority. Building on the benevolence of the group, the application uses the geolocation of people who have installed it on their phones. If you have any problem, you indicate it on the app which sends a signal to the 50 people closest to you who are connected to The Sorority. This way, they will know where you are and will be able to help you directly. Some living near your position can also offer you shelter. You can also sound an alarm or display an alert message on your phone screen.
Finally, whether you are a victim or you offer your help, you can get in touch and directly address your problems (especially those related to domestic violence) in the application’s messaging system.
3-App-Elles
App-Elles includes very useful shortcuts if you find yourself in a delicate situation in which you feel in danger. You can for example send an alert or make a phone call to protection services in one click. But the coolest feature is that you can share your position and access to your microphone with 3 of your trusted contacts who can follow you in real time. So, if you have a journey to make during which you don’t feel confident, you know that three people can follow your every step.
4-Sister – Personal Safety
Sister does almost the same thing as App-Elles, allowing you to send an alert in the event of a problem or to share your position with contacts who can follow you on a GPS. But what it offers in addition is show you on the map where other users have reported having problems. This will allow you to avoid certain streets that could be infamous. You will also be able to install widgets on your home screen.
5-Safer Beach
As indicated by his name, Safer Beach to focus on harassment on…beaches. Finally, in the test phase, rather on ONE beach: that of the Prado in Marseille. Launched by the town hall since 1er August, it allows victims to send a message on three degrees of aggression:
- I am embarrassed,
- I am harassed,
- I am in danger.
You can also intervene as a witness. Once the incident is revealed, the Prado beach lifeguard station receives a message. Municipal police officers or rescuers then go to the geolocated location of the incident to see what is happening there and come to your aid.
The test should extend to the 21 beaches of the city next summer if the first tests are conclusive.
