By Juliano Oliveira
Queensland Government, Telstra and software developers start this month the development of a new smartphone app that will assist victims of domestic violence in the state.
The expectative is that the platform will show how to spot the signs of an unhealthy relationship and give advice on intervening in a safe, proactive way.
“With one sixth of women and one sixteenth of men over the age of 15 experiencing domestic and family violence the chances are we all know somebody living with violence,” says Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Di Farmer.
“Many people experiencing violence often don’t know where to turn, so we’re putting technology to work to make identifying and reporting domestic violence as a bystander much easier.
“The majority of domestic violence bystanders want to help out but often don’t know how to get started. If you see it, hear it, or suspect it, report it.”
The main concept behind the app is to empower bystanders to domestic and family violence to act, according to Shaan Ross-Smith from MATE Bystander.
“We all know of somebody who has been affected in some way by domestic violence and we all want to know what we can do to help,” she said.
“The app will empower bystanders with the information they need to make informed decisions and intervene in safe and respectful ways.”