A brighter, safer and more fearless sky can now be installed on your smartphone and lead to a future free of domestic violence and sexual abuse.

Domestic violence, which is reaching pandemic proportions in our country and around the world, can be dealt with in an organized and methodical manner, with the right information. And digital technologies can become a tool for empowerment and a way out of the gray clouds of abusive behavior.

This can be achieved with the Vodafone Foundation’s “Bright Sky” digital smartphone app. The app is now also available in Greece, helping to inform and fight domestic violence, initially prioritizing providing support and reliable information to anyone who may be in a violent environment.

The Bright Sky mobile app is available for free and can be installed on any smartphone as it is available on Google Play and App Storeor through the site BrightSky.org. Bright Sky provides access to a systematic process for assessing the potential risks of domestic violence and related informative materials, as well as helpful tips. It has a special hidden setting so its use will not be noticed, offering another layer of security and protection for people exposed to abusive behavior and domestic violence.

The app helps users identify types of abusive behavior, from domestic abuse, sexual abuse, psychological or financial exploitation, online harassment and stalking, to other types of abuse. There are even relationship risk assessment questionnaires to help users recognize when they are experiencing abusive behavior, whether they are victims of domestic or sexual abuse. Bright Sky dispels myths and prejudices about domestic and sexual abuse, such as that the victim caused the behavior towards them, which acts as a deterrent to the person seeking help and support.

As part of the details that Bright Sky offers, it presents possible signs that those who may be experiencing domestic or gender-based violence should be on the lookout for. It is equally important to “educate” everyone to recognize the characteristics of other people in their family or friends who may be in danger, so that they have the opportunity to act in support of or even help someone against threats.

A key chapter in the educational activities of the mobile app is the section of the online guide to online security, from proper email password management to social media behavior. Through examples and questions, users can follow suggested steps to improve their online security.

The app contains an extensive phone directory of support services and referrals, as well as helpful tips and organizational steps for making important “release” decisions, such as leaving an abusive environment, helping a person in danger, and more. It also has a button to call the police in case of an emergency.

The Bright Sky mobile app was first launched in the UK in 2015 and is already running in 11 European countries.

Drawing on the global experience of the Vodafone Foundation, Bright Sky has adapted to the Greek context in collaboration with the Center for Social Action and Innovation (KMOP), one of the oldest non-profit organizations with a strong track record in mental health and support. vulnerable social groups. Dr. Antonia Torrens, CEO of KMOP, said: “At a time when our country is experiencing a dramatic increase in domestic violence cases, Bright Sky is an extremely valuable tool in efforts to prevent and combat this phenomenon, as it becomes an “ally” in our efforts to eliminate domestic violence.”

The Research Fellow in charge of the application, Ms. Vasiliki Artinopoulou, Professor of Criminology at the Faculty of Sociology, Pantheon University of Athens, an international human rights expert and member of the Vodafone Foundation Circle of Ambassadors, stated in this regard: “The Bright Sky app from the Vodafone Foundation is a significant contribution to the efforts to prevent and combat domestic and gender-based violence in our country. It is a risk assessment tool perfectly adapted to Greek realities and is now available at the touch of a button to any woman who may be abused.”

The app as well as the website is available in Greek, English and soon French. The public information campaign is carried out under the auspices of the General Secretariat for Demographic and Family Policy and Gender Equality.

The Bright Sky mobile application, for all its informativeness, supports the Panic Button application, which was also made available in Greece by the Vodafone foundation. The panic button, which is also encrypted on smartphones, increases the speed with which any woman who is attacked or in danger can, by pressing a button on her mobile phone, notify special units of the Greek police, who will be able, through the geolocation of the victim’s mobile phone, to reach the point hallmarks.