A path to safety: Bright Sky expands reach to support those affected by domestic abuse

Providing support and information to anyone concerned about domestic abuse, the Bright Sky app is now available in the United States.

Domestic abuse is an epidemic affecting millions of people around the world.

According to the data from the CDC, more than 10 million adults experience domestic violence annually in the U.S., and on a typical day, nearly 20,000 phone calls are placed to domestic violence hotlines nationwide.

Using technology, we want to give these individuals and their loved ones greater support.

Getting support safely

From physical abuse to controlling and coercive behaviour, an abusive relationship can take on many forms. Often survivors may not recognise the signs of domestic abuse or can find it hard to find support.

With Bright Sky, a free, safe and easy-to-use mobile app and website, we can connect survivors of abuse to practical information such as how to spot the signs, how to respond, and where to find a safe route of support.

Designed to be used by anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or for those worried about a friend, family member or someone they know, Bright Sky is also available to anyone looking for information about issues such as online safety, stalking and harassment.

Expanding our reach

Vodafone Foundation, in partnership with UK-based crisis support charity, Hestia and Thames Valley Partnership, first launched Bright Sky in 2018, and the app is already live in 12 markets.

Working with Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh, Vodafone Americas Foundation have now launched Bright Sky in the U.S. in partnership with DomesticShelters.org and NO MORE Foundation. It will be the only multinational domestic violence support mobile app available.

“Domestic violence impacts one in four women and one in seven men aged 18 and older in the U.S.,” said Leanne Wood, Chief HR Officer at Vodafone Group. “Through Vodafone Technology, the Foundation’s Bright Sky app gives those impacted by domestic violence a safe pathway to support. Over the past ten years, the Vodafone Foundation has connected over 1.8 million people impacted by domestic abuse and those wanting to support survivors to essential services.”

Available on i0S or Android, Bright Sky will be formally launched in the U.S. as part of the 67^th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, a UN-sponsored global meeting that identifies challenges to and establishes global standards on gender equality and the rights of women and girls.

Anita Bhatia, Deputy Executive Director for UN Women, and Sanda Ojiambo, Assistant Secretary General and CEO of UN Global Compact, will speak alongside an influential line-up of speakers from across civil society and the private sector, who will highlight the critical role of technology in preventing gender-based violence around the world.