6 Apps to Help College Women Feel Safer

BY MARTHA KARN

 

We are living in a time when it is more important than ever to be vigilant about our personal safety, both on and off campus. It is not enough to simply be aware of our surroundings and to let someone know where we are going to be and what time we will be home. It is not legal to carry pepper spray or weapons in most cases, so how can you protect yourself? You can start by downloading the following safety apps that have been designed with you, the college student, in mind.

 

1. KiteString – This app was created by an MIT student whose girlfriend wanted him to know her status after walking home from work. This is a bit different than other safety apps. Instead of needing an activity to trigger it, this app works through inaction. Let the app know that you are in a potentially dangerous situation, and determine a time for the app to check with you. If you do not answer, it will send custom messages to your emergency contacts. If you are running late, you can go in and edit the call-back time.
2. SafeTrek – This app lets you notify the police when you are in an unsafe situation, but it has an extra feature, a “Safe” button. So, you can have it ready to call without actually calling. If you move your thumb on this button, and then release it, you are prompted to enter a four-digit code. If you do not enter, the police are automatically notified of your location. If you enter the code, the police will not be notified. SafeTrek is recommended by Manhattan Women’s Health & Wellness Center.
3. VthU App – There is always a chance that you could end up in a situation where you are unable to dial for emergency services when you are in trouble. This app lets you avoid having to call the number. Simply push the power button on your phone twice, and an SOS alarm will be sent to your contacts. The messages are sent out at regular intervals, who will be informed that you are in a dangerous situation, and where you are located. Each time the message sent, it is re-designed.
4. bSafe – This app has many features that are designed to help you feel safer when you are traveling. You can register one primary contact, and any number of friends. Some of the features include “Follow Me”, which lets your guardians or friends track your travels in real time, the “I’m Here” features, which lets them know that you have arrived safely, and the S.O.S. feature in case of emergency. There is also a timer feature that sets off an alarm if you do not check in at a specific time. Once the alarm goes off, it starts recording a video to collect evidence if there is a crime.
5. Safetipin – This is a free, map-based app that lets you create circles of interest throughout your neighbourhood, campus, etc. You can edit these circles to let others know where roads may be rough, lighting not good, etc., and you can even post photos and tell other users how you feel about certain areas of town. “You can give and receive information, so you are not only protecting yourself, you are also helping others to protect themselves,” says an expert at The Women’s Choice.
6. Circle of 6 – This app is designed to fight sexual assault and interpersonal violence. You can stay safe and help prevent an assault with this app by adding six friends to create your circle. When you are in a dangerous situation, you can send out automated messages such as “Come and get me. I need help getting home safely,” and “Call and pretend you need me,” so there is something that can interfere with the situation and help you get away. You can also contact the built-in hotline, which lets you state the exact nature of the situation.

 

Bio:

Martha Karn develops online educational courses and writes for students.