Two Personal Safety Apps to Download Today
We live in an increasingly connected world. While advances in technology have given abusers more ways to track and control their victims, these same advances are also providing people with more options when it comes to monitoring their safety. The following apps can provide information, resources, and help when you need it most.
My Plan: One Love
Cost: free
What is it?
The myPlan app is designed to help women and their friends determine the safety of a relationship. The app aims to help you identify, navigate, and provides resources for a range of relationship abuse concerns. It is anonymous and protected by a pin code.
How does it work?
You can choose to complete an assessment for either yourselves or a friend. You’re then walked through six sections:
Relationship myths
Healthy relationships
Red flags
Safety assessment
Safety priorities
Personalized action plan
The safety assessment takes you through a questionnaire that ultimately ranks the level of danger in the relationship from low to extreme. The safety priorities section helps you to create an action plan considering factors like love or concern for your partner, safety, resources, and health to better understand your priorities and suggest strategies.
Additional Safety Features
The app is protected by a pin code. In the event that your partner forces you to unlock the app, you can enter a special code that will then only show tips for staying organized.
Circle of 6
Cost: free
What is it?
Circle of 6 allows you to choose up to 6 friends to add to your circle. With just two taps you can send automated messages to your circle that includes your location.
Originally designed for college students, the app aims to be fast, easy-to-use, and discreet. For emergency situations, you can easily be connected to a local emergency number of your choice. The app also features a wealth of information regarding healthy relationships.
Automated Safety Messages
There are four automated messages you can send to your circle:
1. “Come and get me.” This also includes your GPS location.
2. “Call and pretend you need me.”
3. “I need to talk.”
4. “I’m ok, I got help.”
Additional Safety Features
Circle of 6 only collects anonymized and aggregated data, which means any identifying information is not included. Any personal information is stored directly on the user’s phone and is automatically once you delete the app.
Note: any text messages sent will be stored in that application (iPhone iMessage, for example).
It’s important to note that these apps should not serve as a replacement for emergency services. In any situation where you feel you are in immediate danger, dial 911. Download these apps only if you feel it is safe to do so. Our crisis line is available 24/7, 365 days a year and can provide assistance, support, and advocacy to women who are experiencing abuse. Reach us anytime at (613)-234-5181.