Safety Apps aplenty, but used how often?

With women’s safety being a topic of debate and discussion across all platforms, you hear of a new safety app being launched every other day.
A basic search in the app store of your smartphone will give you a surprising number of results. Now, even the authorities have come up with their own apps, with the Delhi Police recently launching the Himmat app. With so many of these safety apps so easily available, we asked women in the city if they install these apps in their phones to feel secure, and whether they actually use them.
Why will the attacker allow me to use my phone?
Soumya, a student, says, “I think the tendency of a person who is trying to harm you is to first snatch your bag and your belongings and throw them away. So, even if I have an app installed in my phone, I don’t think I will get a chance to take out my phone from the pocket or bag if I am attacked.”
No use if you don’t have internet or an android phone
Twinkle Bhayana, a freelance recruitment consultant, says, “I downloaded the VithU app after seeing a lot of ads on TV. Kareena Kapoor Khan and a lot of other TV actors were shown talking about the app, and that is how I got to know about it. I have had this app for a long time, but thankfully, never had to use it. The problem with these apps is that you won’t be able to use them if you don’t have internet connectivity.” Anu Mishra*, a Class XI student, says, “These apps are useful only for those who have money for internet packs. I’m a student and I am not allowed to subscribe to internet packs. I can use the internet only in a WiFi zone. There should be apps that work even without the internet, otherwise they are useless for people like me.” Preetika*, a media professional, says, “I have a Blackberry phone, so most of these safety apps don’t work in it. A lot of my friends have these apps and even though they haven’t ever used them, they feel safer just having them on their phones. I am planning to buy an Android phone so that I can download one of these apps.” Saranya Rustagi, a Gurgaon-based corporate professional also has one such women’s safety app installed on her phone. “I have the Guardian app on my Windows Phone, but thankfully, I have never needed to use it,” she said. If a person doesn’t have enough balance, message card or an internet pack, they cannot use this app, as it sends an SMS to the user’s registered contacts. And even if I send an SMS alert to my family members, they won’t be able to reach and help me in time. However, I read about Delhi police’s Himmat app and I will download it. I think that is far more useful, as it will alert the nearest cop.”
Never used any app
Krapika Singh Jat, a PR professional based in Noida, says, “It has only been a couple of months since I moved to Delhi from Mumbai. While I was in Mumbai, I didn’t download any safety apps since I always felt safe there. I didn’t download these apps even after I shifted to Delhi, but I have become more careful while travelling. If I take an auto or a cab, I message the details to a couple of my friends for safety reasons.” Nitika*, a media professional, says, “I had one of these apps in my phone for a long time, but thankfully, I never had to use it. However, the app was consuming a lot of memory space in my phone, so I deleted it.” Richa Nigam, a research scholar, says, “I have the VithU app. I cannot say whether the app is useful or not as I have never faced any situation where I needed to use it. But still, whenever I am out late, I keep my GPS and app active, so that my family and friends know where I am.” Bineesh Zafar, an airhostess, says, “I have never used any safety app as I don’t think they are of any help.” useless in actual crisis? Smriti Mishra, a Class X student, says, “I have never used any app. I doubt their usability. I don’t think that at the time of an emergency, even if I use one of these apps, anyone will be able to reach me in time – be it the police or my contacts. Also in crisis, I don’t think I will remember to send an alert SMS.” Manisha Dwivedi, an assistant health clinic manager, says, “I have never used a safety app. I think we need to learn self-defence to take care of ourselves.” Asma Chishti, an HR manager, says, “I don’t have any safety app. I have taken self-defence training and I think I can take better care of myself. Apps won’t be of any use in an actual emergency. In a big city like Delhi, anyone on my list of contacts, even my family members, will take time to reach me and till then my attacker could do whatever he wants. It’s more like informing people that something has happened, instead of actually getting help. I keep my phone in my bag and during an emergency, I don’t think I will be able to dig out my mobile from my bag and send a help alert. Anyway, the attacker isn’t going to give me time to send alerts to my friends and family.”
Too many bugs
Suchitra Shishu, an HR consultant, said, “I had a safety app, but eventually, I had to delete it because of numerous bugs. You need to add the contact numbers of friends and relatives. I tried testing how to use it, but instead of just sending my GPS location to my registered contacts, the app also started sending bulk message seeking help – not even giving the person time to check my location. It was a nuisance, so I deleted it. Also, you need to switch on the app and internet connection, every time you step out of your house or workplace. If it is off, the app is useless.”
Maybe the police app will be more useful
Garima Singh*, an engineering student, says, “I have never used any such app. But when I came to know about Delhi police’s app, I tried downloading it. But it failed every time, so I gave up. All the other apps inform friends or family, which, according to me, is useless. However, through this app, if the cops actually come within a few minutes to rescue me, as they are claiming to, then I think it can be useful. But I hope they fix the downloading problem soon.”
Downloaded the app after mom forced me
Mishika Raj, a Class XI student, says, “I downloaded the app because my mother kept nagging me. I have tuition classes in the evening and sometimes they go on till late. My mother asked me to download the app, so that I can send an emergency message to my family if I encounter any problem.”
(*Names changed on request)