A Survey of the Mobile Phone-Based Interventions for Violence Prevention Among Women

Abstract

Information Communication Technologies (ICT), particularly mobile phone technology, has increased the propinquity between individuals by enhancing their ability to frequently communicate with one another through different mediums, like text, audio, video, and emojis. Cell phone technology is being used to combat various social issues, including several public health-related problems such as violence against women. Over the past two decades several cellphone-based apps, including Circle of 6, MyPlan, Panic Button, and Aspire News have been developed in several countries to prevent violence against women. Anecdotal evidence suggests that these apps are effective both as violence prevention and as an intervention tool in public as well as private spaces. However, very little awareness exists among social workers about these mobile phone applications (apps), particularly the capabilities and limitations of these apps. Based on a brief survey and classification of the existing mobile phone apps designed to prevent violence against women, this paper aims to explain how these apps work, and point out their capabilities and limitations so that social workers and public health professionals can better guide their clients in using these technology-based services. It is highly recommended that social workers evaluate how their clients are affected by the use or non-use of violence prevention apps and advocate for their client’s right to digital literacy and internet access.

“Be my Voice” to break social stigma against domestic violence: The underestimated role of smartphone applications in protecting victims in developing countries

“…Table 1 shows a number of DV-related applications available in stores and their features. We searched the applications reviewed in two recent review studies in the Google play store and Apple store ( 24 , 25 ). We then included the applications which were downloadable in any of the above stores in this table.…”

“… * DV-related applications reviewed in two recent studies ( 24 , 25 ), which were downloadable in Google play store and/or Apple store, were included in this table. Also, “Toranj,” the only DV-related application for Iranian women to our knowledge, was added to the table .…”

New Technologies for Combatting Sexual Violence in Conflict and Non-conflict Settings

“…Source: Author's Own created using data from Eisenhut et al(2020) and Sinha, Shrivastava, & Paradis (2019).…”

Addressing intimate partner violence during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond: how radiologists can make a difference

“…If it is not possible to hand the patient explicit brochures due to accompanying persons, telephone numbers, or QR codes with no obvious IPV-related information can be provided. Additionally, several apps are available for domestic violence victims, which offer a range of services such as IPV-evaluating questionnaires, support in setting up a safety plan, resourceful information, and live chat functions [ 26 , 27 ]. Certain apps are disguised as non-IPV-related information (e.g., news or cooking sites) [ 26 , 27 ].…”

“…Additionally, several apps are available for domestic violence victims, which offer a range of services such as IPV-evaluating questionnaires, support in setting up a safety plan, resourceful information, and live chat functions [ 26 , 27 ]. Certain apps are disguised as non-IPV-related information (e.g., news or cooking sites) [ 26 , 27 ]. If a patient discloses IPV and needs immediate assistance, radiologists should consult the social work team and treating physician, as per the standard practices of their institutions.…”