Vodafone Foundation’s long-standing support for those who experience abuse has resulted in the development of two special apps. Here's how they have helped more than a million people to date.
Not all apps are created equally. Some, more than others, help deliver direct social benefits, supporting people during their most difficult times.
This is certainly the case when it comes to both Zoteria and Bright Sky – two apps that Vodafone Foundation has helped co-develop as part of their ‘Apps Against Abuse’ portfolio. The latter of which reached the notable milestone of 1 million users in April 2024.
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Bright Sky
Bright Sky was created to provide support and information for those experiencing domestic abuse – a figure that is now estimated to be one-in-three women globally.
This is no small feat for an app that Vodafone Foundation only launched in 2018, alongside Hope After Harm and UK-based crisis support charity, Hestia.
Now available in 13 markets across Europe, Africa, North America and Australasia, Bright Sky helps users spot the signs of abuse.
The app, which is also available as a widget and website, provides: practical advice on how to best respond; a self-assessment questionnaire to determine the nature of abuse a person might be experiencing; and a geolocation tool to signpost users to their nearest support services.
“With a million users in 13 countries, the Bright Sky platform continues to help people find a safe pathway to information and essential services.”
Leanne Wood, Chief HR Officer, Vodafone Group
Zoteria
The brainchild of Vodafone employee Marta Lima, Zoteria was launched by the Vodafone Foundation in December 2022, following a global app development competition.
Aimed at supporting the LGBTQ+ community, the app allows users to report hate incidents directly to specialist support service Galop, whether on behalf of themselves or someone else.
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Reports submitted through the app are confidential, with Galop able to provide a safe space to talk for users who would like assistance.
Beyond this, Zoteria also provides a variety of educational content as well as news about the latest LGBTQ+ community events.
“We wanted to create an app that encourages the community and its allies to step up, come together and be empowered, by making it easy to flag incidents both as a victim or as a bystander.”
Marta Lima, Site Reliability Engineering Manager, Vodafone
Apps against abuse
To find out more, and download, Bright Sky or Zoteria, simply visit our ‘Apps Against Abuse homepage. Here, you’ll find a wide-ranging portfolio of apps designed to help ensure every individual can enjoy a life free of abuse.
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