The Taipei Women’s Rescue Foundation and a local mobile developer yesterday unveiled an upgrade for “HelpMee,” an app that aims to ensure women can stay safe both in public and at home.
The foundation and Chylyng Co said the new version would be available for free from Friday.
The new features aim to increase ways for women to protect themselves, whether suffering domestic violence at home or experiencing harassment at nightclubs, Chylyng Co chief executive officer Huang Chao-chi said.
The app’s new design makes it easier to send SOS messages asking for help, he said.
Through the app, users can seek help from police or an emergency contact. It also features a flashlight, alarm lamp and siren, and is marketed as helping women in need.
Chylyng developed a new version of “HelpMee” after receiving feedback from the foundation, which helps domestic violence victims, Huang said.
Citing government statistics, foundation director Kang Shu-hua (康淑華) said in a statement that last year, 86,353 women were victims of violent crimes including sexual assault and robbery.
With the growing popularity of smartphones, she said, mobile apps could help women in need seek timely assistance.
Since its launch in February, “HelpMee” has been downloaded about 1,500 times, Huang said.
He said he hopes the new version will reach 10,000 downloads within a year.
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