India is one of the fastest developing countries in the world in terms of infrastructure and economy, but at the same time crime rate against women is also increasing from the last few decades. The condition of women in India has always been a matter of grave concern. The patriarchal nature of Indian society, which even though gives respect to women as mothers and sisters, has greatly hampered both the independence as well as the safety of women. One of the main reasons of violence against women is the mentality which deems women inferior of men.

Safety of women matters a lot whether at home, outside the home or at working place. Cities like Delhi, Gurgaon, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Kolkata are among the most dangerous cities for women in India. Thankfully, there are lot of personal safety apps developed to help tackle this issue. Here is a list of such apps built with personal safety of women in mind. Most of these apps are free; a few have paid premium features that may help to save a life.

1. RAKSHA :

Raksha is designed in such a manner that even when this app isn't running on your phone, you can alert your contacts by pressing the volume button for 3 seconds. Along with that, the app also provides your contacts with your exact location when you alert them using the volume button or press the alert button that the app provides. This app can also send SMS if struck in non internet area.

Click here to direct to this app on Google Play

2. SHAKE2SAFETY :

The user just needs to shake their smartphone or just press the power button four times to send an SOS text or call to the registered numbers. It works with the locked screen on and even without an internet connection. Moreover, the users will also have the ability to activate or deactivate the option of shaking the device to send an alert. The app can also be used in case of an accident, harassment, robbery or any natural calamities.

Click here to direct to this app on Google Play

3. VITHU :

The VithU App lets a potential victim skip through the number-punching and lets you push your power button twice to instantly send an SOS alert to contacts. Alert messages are sent out every two minutes to the listed contacts, who will receive a message along with your physical location, which will get updated each time the message goes out. If you have witnessed any incident, then you can share it with channel V also.

Click here to direct to this app on Google Play

4. NIRBHAYA :

It can send a distress call or emergency message to a specified contact or group in an emergency situation. When activated, it will send your precise GPS location to your pre-selected contacts, with exact location updates every 300 meters you move. Its other features include geo fence, shake to alert and unsafe area alert. We can send SOS message by pressing the power button also.

Click here to direct to this app on Google Play

5. SMART24x7 :

This app sends panic alerts to emergency contacts in a problematic situation. It records voices and also takes photographs during the panic situation and transfers these to the police as well. It also has call centre support, which will track down the primary movements of the user. Users just need to press the panic button and select the type of service required and then finally click on submit.

Click here to direct to this app on Google Play

6. LIFE360 FAMILY LOCATOR :

This app lets you create circles, add people to them and see their locations on a confidential map. In this way, you'll be able to keep track of your family members and confirm that they're safe and sound. You can share your location with them or send an alert to your circle members. You can even chat with your circle members for free. In addition, you can also use this app to recover your lost or stolen phone.

Click here to direct to this app on Google Play

7. bSafe you :

The bSafe app allows contacts to follow you through a live GPS trail and also sets a timed alarm. Moreover, it will also make your phone ring with a fake call and also notifies the emergency contacts with the location, video and even siren. Along with this, there is also a Guardian Alert button, which will immediately tell your friends or family members with the GPS location and video at the time of distress.

Click here to direct to this app on Google Play

8. iGoSafely :

Once activated, it alerts your contacts if you shake the phone vigorously or unplug the headphones. Emails and text messages are sent with GPS location. Updates go out every minute till the app is disarmed. Each alert message includes your GPS position, street address (if available) and a 30-second audio recording.

Click here to direct to this app on Google Play

9. SAFETIPIN :

This app is designed keeping in mind the concept of personal safety. It incorporates all the essential features such as GPS tracking, emergency contact numbers and directions to safe locations. This app also pins the safe areas along with their safety scores to go at the time of any problem. It also enables the users to pin unsafe areas to help others.

Click here to direct to this app on Google Play

10. ABHAYAM :

This is an initiative by Andhra Pradesh police. In the stealth mode, the user can click the power button 5 times and the app would automatically send panic notifications to the police and their near ones. It works both on smart and non-smart basic phones. Its key features include SOS alarm, track me (to let your selected guardians track you to any location you wish with a continuous feed from live GPS), spot me (to let your guardians know your current location) and phone me (to get a fake incoming call).

Click here to direct to this app on Google Play

Each app has its own special features and may help in saving a life. In any case, having these apps on your mobile may be more important and helpful than having many games. Thanks for reading the post. Please share it with your friends and family members.