In today’s times, women need some handy help – and it can come via their smartphones, through seven wonderful apps.
by Manik Kakra
Most women must carry a smartphone or tablet with them wherever and whenever they travel. As crimes against women increase all over the country, it is up to women to provide the first ring of security to themselves. Usually, the phone they carry can help establish contact to get immediate aid.
But how can you make sure the device is actually ‘smart’ and useful to you in many more ways than just the conventional ones? Having smart apps is an answer. Let’s take a look at some handy apps and services aimed at women’s safety.
Damini: Launched after the horrifying Delhi rape case in December 2012, this app allows you to send your location data and video as soon as the person starts the app. You can form a group from your contacts list to whom this app sends data whenever required.
FightBack: Available for almost all smartphone platforms, this app not only uses your phone’s GPS, SMS, and Maps, but also your Facebook account in order to alert your near and dear ones in an emergency.
Cab4me: This is a very useful app even for your day-to-day use. Its database allows you to quickly search through taxi stands near your location and you can book a cab right on it. In case of any emergency, you can quickly glance through your self-made favourite list, so that you can book a cab or inquire about services without wasting too much time looking for a cab on a deserted road. It’s available for Android and iOS.
SafeBridge (also available on Google Play): In case your phone doesn’t have any way to access the Internet at the time, this service has got your covered. It uses 
your phone’s SMS to send your location quickly to somebody pre-selected from your contact list.
iFollow: This is another smart app. In case you’re running out of time to make a call or do little else, all you have to do is shake your phone thrice and this app will get started. Next, it will make a call to a contact, and further an SMS, if the call doesn’t get answered.
Scream Alarm: As the name suggests, a loud voice comes from your phone as soon as your press the scream button in the app. That’s about it, however.
YWCA Safety Alert: This app not only can make a loud scream from your phone, but can also send your location data as well as email the selected contacts, when you simply shake your phone or tap its alert button.
Apart from these, there are a few apps which send your location data to a particular contact stored on your device, such as SafeTrac and inE.
(Pictures courtesy yourstory.in, play.google.com, itunes.apple.com, techtips9.com)