Nicola Allen
For a lot of women, walking alone, especially in the dark, involves planning. Which route has the most streetlights? Who can you text when you leave and arrive at your destination? Where will you feel the safest?
The WalkSafe app has been invented to help this: its primary functions mean that users can plan the best route and keep loved ones updated on their journey.
What are the features of WalkSafe?
- WalkSafe map –based on police reports and incidents raised by WalkSafe community users, the map provides locations where knife crime, sexual assault or muggings have been reported. This allows users to choose a less risky route.
- TapSafe – push a button to connect with friends and family if you start to feel unsafe. They will be updated on your progress and if you get into any difficulty.
- Check in – sends a reminder to a nominated contact so that they can check in with you at a specified time to make sure you are safe.
- HomeSafe – lets your friends and family know when you have arrived at your destination.
Women are most at risk
Launched in March 2021, WalkSafe attracted 500,000 downloads in just one week. The seed was planted following a dinner conversation about personal experiences of safety and how these differed depending on gender. Through WalkSafe, Co-founder Emma Kay has created a practical tool to help users when they are out and about, but more than this she has helped to raise further awareness of violence and violent crime in all its guises.
“Women should be able to go where they want and wear what they want without having to worry whether they are putting themselves at risk.”
According to charity Living Without Abuse, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men will experience domestic abuse in their lifetimes. On average 2 women will be murdered each week and a woman will be subjected to around 35 instances of domestic assault before she calls the police. These figures are shocking and more must be done.
Women should be able to go where they want and wear what they want without having to worry whether they are putting themselves at risk. They should also be able to feel entirely safe in their own homes and neighborhoods.
Men can be part of the solution too
It is important here to acknowledge the impact that all of this has had on men too. I have spoken to many men who want to be part of the solution- they often feel guilty walking at night in case they intimidate anyone, they want to be able to help but they don’t always know how to.
We have a huge part to play in bringing them into the conversation and giving them the confidence to work with us.
Will women ever reclaim these streets?
Many argue that Apps like this shouldn’t be needed, that they treat the symptoms rather than the cause. Although I agree more needs to be done in the longer term to change the culture of violence towards women, these initiatives are vital now.
In the wake of the Sarah Everard murder in March 2021, thousands of people came together to organise vigils and protests; to reclaim these streets. In many ways though, nothing seems to be changing. In September, Metro.co.uk published a list of 80 women who had died at the hands of men since Sarah Everard.
“In the meantime, Apps like WalkSafe are invaluable.”
I hope for the day that I, and others, will be able to walk wherever we want without feeling the need to hold on extra tightly to our handbags, to not have to hold my door keys in my hand just in case I need to defend myself, to not be constantly checking my surroundings. I fear that this will be a long time coming. In the meantime, Apps like WalkSafe are invaluable.
Currently available in the UK, the WalkSafe App is available to download on Apple and Android devices. The team are working hard to make it available in other countries. Find out more at www.walksafe.io
Featured image courtesy of Josh Hild from Pexels Image license found here. No changes or alterations were made to this image.
Nicola Allen
Freelance writer and NCTJ diploma student. Constantly curious. Asks too many questions. Usually found reading a book or at a gig.