Newham Stay Safe App
What is the 'Newham Stay Safe' app?
The Newham Stay Safe application was created to give residents of Newham a simple way to report incidents of street harassment. The app offers access to support services and enables users to directly notify the Police of any harassment they experience. Location data captured through the app can be used by the Council, Police, and their partners to pinpoint where street harassment is happening and develop strategies aimed at reducing its frequency.
You can:
- Report incidents of street harassment in the borough
- Get access to specialist support
- Report incidents for investigation by the Police or Council - anonymously
- A direct route through to the 24/7 Stop Hate UK Helpline
Why was the app created?
The Newham Stay Safe app was developed to address the issue of street harassment faced by women, girls, and marginalized communities in Newham. Street harassment can have a significant impact on those affected, causing feelings of anxiety, fear, anger, and distress. This constant threat often leads to individuals altering their lifestyles, such as changing their routes, clothing, and avoiding certain areas, to avoid potential abuse. The goal is to create a safe environment where everyone can move freely throughout the borough without fear of harassment or abuse.
How can street harassment be reported through the app?
Victims of street harassment in Newham can report their experiences through the app by answering questions related to the incident, including the location, perpetrator, and any witnesses, as well as their own contact information. The app also provides the option for users to attach additional evidence, such as photos, videos, or audio recordings. The amount of information included in the report is up to the discretion of the user.
What occurs after a report is submitted?
The information is sent to Stop Hate UK for review. If the victim has given their contact information, they may be reached out to discuss the incident and informed of further support options. If the victim consents, the report can be referred to the police for investigation. Users have the option to report anonymously, but providing as much information as possible is encouraged for better support. All reports made through the app provide valuable information that can be shared with partner organisations and used to guide strategies and decision-making. Even if the user chooses to remain anonymous, location information can still be used to identify areas with high occurrences of street harassment.
What are the app's functionalities?
The app comes with a feature called the "Panic Button", which allows users to immediately contact the police by pressing it. Additionally, there is a section named "Useful Contacts" that lists several women's support services in Newham, including Hestia, NIA Project, London Black Women's Project, Newham Victim Support, and more. The app also provides the option for users to capture evidence through a video, photo, and audio tab.