Even as help may seem far from available for women facing sexual harassment, technology will jump to their rescue.
With the increasing proliferation of smartphones, several applications have made their way into the market, which can act as temporary support devices for women in
trouble -- till official help reaches.
While these applications need to be downloaded, most of them are used to send alert messages in case of an emergency.
Fightback
An NGO named Whypoll launched this application. It enables the user to send emergency messages through SMS and emails to a list of emergency numbers that the user may have stored on his/her phone.
"The software will be available for a nominal fee on www.fightback.com. The user can programme up to five phone numbers in the application. When one feels threatened they can click on the application. It asks for a confirmation and on receiving it, sends an SMS to the programmed numbers, saying you are in trouble. The message will also flash on Facebook," said Shweta Punj, co-founder, Whypoll.
Eyewatch
This application, compatible with all smartphones, comes with video, audio and image support. Along with SOS alerts, the application's in-built video, audio and image support enables it to send images and audio and video clips in the SOS alerts.
Mobi Tracker LocateME
Perhaps one of the most useful applications, this one alerts family members of the woman if she is in trouble.
The application instantly sends the location of the woman in distress through text messages to the listed members of the family, in case of an emergency situation.