Your Safety Toolkit: Personal Safety Apps for Survivors
Empowering survivors with digital safety resources
Reclaiming Power, One Step at a Time
Navigating domestic abuse requires immense courage and discretion. For many survivors, digital tools have become quiet lifelines. This guide introduces three powerful UK-based apps designed to support, protect, and empower survivors in different ways.
Whether you’re gathering evidence, planning to leave, or simply seeking reassurance, these apps can act as silent guardians. They are discreet, secure, and trauma-informed.
Quick Comparison: Which App Is Right for You?
Bright Sky
Best for safety planning, accessing local support services, and understanding abuse dynamics.
Kulpa
Ideal for secure, legally admissible documentation of abuse.
Hollie Guard
Designed for real-time personal safety monitoring and emergency alerts.
Bright Sky
Your comprehensive support companion
Key Features
Emergency Button
Immediate access to emergency services with one tap
UK-wide Directory
Find local support services by postcode including shelters, counselling, and legal services
Safety Assessment
Guided questions to understand risk levels with personalised advice
Secure Journal
Document incidents with text, photos, audio, and video in password-protected storage
Educational Resources
Learn about forms of abuse, create safety plans, and access legal/financial guidance
Support Network
Resources for friends and family with conversation guides
Who Benefits Most
- Survivors seeking comprehensive resources and education
- Friends and family wanting to support someone
- Individuals needing help creating safety plans
- Those looking for local support services
- Single parents managing safety concerns
Kulpa
Secure, legally admissible evidence collection
Key Features
Complete Privacy Control
You control your data—delete anytime, share only when you choose
Incident Documentation
Record what happened, when, and where with detailed timestamps and location data
Forensic Photography
Take scaled photographs of injuries for court-admissible evidence
Multi-Format Storage
Store photos, videos, audio, messages, and documents in one secure location
Medical Records
Upload medical records, treatment notes, and proof of injuries
Legal Support
Connect with Kulpa-accredited lawyers for free advice
Who Benefits Most
- Those building legal cases against abusers
- Individuals needing forensic-quality evidence
- Survivors preparing to report to police
- Anyone needing secure, verified documentation
Hollie Guard
Real-time safety monitoring and alerts
Key Features
Emergency Alerts
Shake or tap to alert contacts, sharing your location and recording audio/video
Journey Mode
Track routes in real time; alerts contacts if you don’t arrive on time
Man Down
Detects falls or inactivity and sends alerts automatically
Meeting Timer
Set a timer for risky meetings; alerts contacts if you don’t cancel
Disguised Interface
Can appear as a news or weather app for discretion
Voice Activation
Hands-free operation when you can’t use your hands
Who Benefits Most
- Those needing real-time monitoring
- People travelling alone or to unfamiliar places
- Individuals attending potentially risky meetings
- Anyone wanting quick emergency response capabilities
- Elderly individuals living independently
Empowerment Through Documentation
Digital records can be powerful tools for reclaiming control and preparing for legal or safeguarding action. These apps help you create timestamped logs, store evidence securely, build timelines, track patterns, and prepare for legal proceedings.
Creating a Private Evidence Trail
Many survivors have found ways to document safely and discreetly. Here are practical, court-aware steps to consider:
- Send-to-self email logging: Use structured subject lines like YYYY-MM-DD – Event – Person – Location to track incidents and concerns
- Export WhatsApp chats: Monthly exports (without media) can be emailed to a private account for safekeeping
- Create a secure email account: Use two-factor authentication, avoid syncing to shared devices, and disable notifications
- Back up critical files: Use encrypted cloud storage or, if safe, a removable encrypted USB drive
- Preserve original formats: Courts prefer unedited exports over screenshots—avoid altering timestamps or message content
⚠️ Important Safety Warning: If you suspect device monitoring, pause and seek specialist digital safety advice before exporting or emailing anything. Your safety is non-negotiable.
Essential Safety Tips
Protect Your Privacy
- Use unique passwords for each app
- Consider a separate email address unknown to the abuser
- Clear browser history if researching on shared devices
Phone Safety
- Keep your phone charged and with you
- Consider a hidden backup phone
- Turn off location sharing with anyone you don’t fully trust
Disguise Your Apps
- Use disguise features and place apps in innocuous folders
- Practice emergency features when safe
- Test alerts with trusted contacts
Build Your Network
- Add trusted contacts to your apps
- Let a trusted person know you’re using these tools
- Remember: isolation is a tactic of abuse—reaching out is strength
Additional Support Resources
Emergency Contacts
UK Emergency: 999
Silent Solution: 55 (if you can’t speak)
National Domestic Abuse Helpline (24/7): 0808 2000 247
