Women living in Tooting and across the borough urged to download safety app

The community safety team at Wandsworth Council has urged women to download a free app that helps with safety.

Hollie Guard, which has been downloaded by over 240,000 people, is recommended by the Domestic Abuse Commissioner and police forces across the country.

It aims to help those who are fearful of domestic abuse and violence.

People who have downloaded the app who are in danger can easily shake or tap their phone to activate Hollie Guard and raise an alert.

Chosen contacts are immediately notified of your exact location, and audio and video evidence is sent directly to their mobile phones via text and email and uploaded on the Cloud.

The app was created by the Hollie Gazzard Trust, which was formed following the murder of 20-year-old Hollie Gazzard in 2014 by her ex-partner.

Hollie had experienced domestic abuse and stalking prior to being fatally stabbed at her place of work.

The Trust also helps reduce domestic violence through creating and delivering programmes on domestic abuse in schools and colleges.

The app was developed by Panic Guard, who also developed the 'Zecure' app, which was released in partnership with Wandsworth Council to help schoolchildren stay safe on the journey to and from school.

Robyn Thomas, head of community safety for Wandsworth Council said:

"Keeping women and all vulnerable people safe is our top priority.

"Which is why we worked with Panic Guard to develop Zecure and why we are recommending women download Hollie Guard.

"Although these apps are immensely helpful, we do not believe it is the sole responsibility of women to take steps to avoid being attacked.

"We are also upgrading our CCTV coverage, are regularly checking streetlights to ensure they are all working, and are 'designing out' dark and unsafe areas.

"In addition, we are updating our Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy to bring in some fresh thinking about women's safety, and to look at how we can stop perpetrators as well as protect victims."

You can find out more and download Hollie Guard here.