Filenews 30 January 2023 - byDespina Psylou
"She was being abused by her husband and she didn't know what to do or where to go to save herself. Another woman confided to me that she experienced sexual abuse." These are messages received by 28-year-old Dimitra Andreou, visionary and creator of the direct help application INSAVIOR, whose name comes from the words instant and saviour. This application, which offers users, inter alia, a button that emits an SOS signal in case of danger, seeks to create a network of solidarity. "The more women who have the app, the safer we'll all be."
The idea to create the app, notes Dimitra Andreou, arose after the murder of 33-year-old Sarah Everard in London. "The young woman was returning on foot around 9:30 in the evening from a friend's house in hers, just four kilometres away. Then, she was approached by an off-duty police officer, citing the violation of the quarantine applied due to the pandemic. He handcuffed her and eventually kidnapped, raped and hanged her. As it turned out, the perpetrator had been planning his crime for a long time and was looking for the opportunity where he would find a girl alone at that point. He wasn't looking specifically for Sarah, but for any woman alone. It could be any of us. It happened to be Sarah."
This case shocked and troubled Mrs Andreou. "I was wondering what might be there that might save Sarah. What could save a woman alone, who is in danger." That's how he came up with a mobile instant help app. "A button that can press anyone in danger." Her own experiences contributed to the idea, she explains. "Many times I had to walk to my car, feeling very insecure. I could see around. I was constantly alert. It was even more intense while I was in England to study. Of course, here in Cyprus (even in the heart of the capital), there are areas where you do not dare to walk alone".
After the creation of the application and as far as it is known that she acts with the aim of empowering and protecting women, Dimitra Andreou received messages from Cypriot women who experience violence in the family or even sexual abuse. "In some cases they told me their story, in others they asked me for advice. I was shocked by an incident involving violence in the family, as well as the confession of a victim of sexual abuse," he noted.
"I want us to build a fraternal female solidarity," she said, adding: "The effectiveness of INSAVIOR rests with the strength of the community. The more women who have the app, the safer we will all be."
INSAVIOR went live on December 14 and already has hundreds of registered members. However, the creation of the application is only part of Ms. Andreou's vision. There are even other actions he is planning. "I need a large amount and that's why I'm looking for funding. But I believe that it will be possible to maximise the benefits for women. Let's all be safe, doing what we want."
Ms. Andreou invites institutions, organizations, companies and individual citizens to support INSAVIOR and contribute financially. She, she clarified, for the past two years has been running for all the needs of her vision with zero revenue. Her hope, in the future there will be supporters and organizations that want to advertise through the application. "I would like INSAVIOR to spread worldwide, starting with Cyprus and Greece."
Dimitra Andreou, originally from occupied Famagusta, has a bachelor's and master's degree in social sciences and humanities. In addition, she has received diplomas in justice for women of the European Council, principles of well-being, body language and life coaching. "I've always loved dealing with people. I like to help, to come forward. A lot of people will say you find your trouble, but I prefer to keep my conscience clear," he said, adding: "It irritates me incredibly when some people talk publicly about help and solidarity, but in practice they don't do anything."
Alerts with precise location and navigation map
INSAVIOR provides several services to its users. First, the SOS button of paramount importance. "Its purpose is to emit a signal in case a woman is found in danger. For example, if you are attacked, either on the street by a stranger or inside the house as domestic violence. Just press the button to send a notification to app members who are in close proximity to you, who see your exact location and navigation directions to get close to you. They can track your position even if you move (e.g. a grab). In addition, by pressing the button, the contacts you have registered as emergency (e.g. your dad, partner, a friend) receive a message. You don't need to have the app. What they get is the emergency message with your location and navigation instructions. All these individuals can notify the authorities to intervene immediately." In fact, he said, the only one who can stop the SOS is the owner of the app, while the alarm will continue to ring even if the device is damaged.
The INSAVIOR app also offers the moderately important SOS alarm. As he explains, it is for the cases when you feel insecure or when you think you may be in danger. "It's a networking with the members of the app. You have the ability to post one of the four standard messages (such as "I'm afraid of someone", "I'm not well") or write something yourself. INSAVIOR members who are in close proximity, receive a notification that you have declared an SOS of moderate importance, see your exact location and a navigation map to come close to you. They can also reply below the post to see what is needed."
There are safeguards in place to obtain the application, explains Ms. Andreou. "You go through an identification process so we're all safe. That a man cannot enter. A government document and a photo (selfie) that will be taken on the spot at that time are requested to ensure that it is the same person who is carrying out the process. A password is sent to the email and mobile and after we see that everything is in order, then access to the application is approved, which is free."
Shows self-defence grips
In addition to SOS services, INSAVIOR provides other services. "We have prepared self-defence videos with the help of the athlete and coach of karate, Panagiotis Loizides, of the Karate Headquarters Nicosia school. What women see are simple defensive moves that don't require experience in martial arts so that they can gain time if someone attacks them and ultimately save themselves."
In addition, it provides primary articles on gender equality and violence, as well as quotes to enhance self-confidence and self-esteem. The offered options are updated daily with new proposals. "There is also a community wall where dialogue can be developed and posts can be made with issues that concern women. For experiences, advice and support".
Those who wish to support INSAVIOR's effort can contact Mrs. Andreou directly at 99555063 or info@insavior.com. In addition, they can visit on instagram the link: https://instagram.com/insaviorapp?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y. To download the app from an app store they can visit the https://apps.apple.com/cy/app/insavior/id6444430860 and from a playstore they can visit the https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.insavior.insavior.
