When faced with harassment on a busy train in Taipei, some women don’t feel safe calling for help. That’s why Taipei City police have come up with an innovative new solution.
Heads bowed, thumbs tapping away… People on their phones are a common sight on the Taipei metro. But thanks to a new app, those same phones have become a tool to stop sexual harassment. Inspired by a similar innovation in Japan, Taipei police have released an app of their own. It displays a call for help on the screen to show other passengers you’re in trouble.
One woman says that it’s a good idea. Another says that attackers won’t realize you’re calling for help.
Another function helps women get home safely. If you’re being followed, you can find your way to the nearest “safe” business to get help. Taipei Police official Lin Pi-lan explains. She says you can search for a business, then find the quickest route.
Huang Chao-tzu from the Women and Children’s Protection Division says people should stop attackers by shouting for help. If that’s not possible, the new app helps you get others’ attention without a sound.
With increased awareness and technological improvements like these, police are hoping to make harassment on public transport a thing of the past.