To mark the UN Women’s 16 Days of Activism campaign against gender-based violence, Vodafone has commissioned new research looking at the positive role smartphones play in connecting women affected by domestic abuse, or broader women’s safety issues, to expert support and advice.
- New research by Vodafone has revealed how valuable mobile devices and apps are to women seeking support for safety and domestic abuse concerns, with 75%1 saying they have considered using their smartphone to get out of a situation that felt unsafe.
- More than half (55%) of people who have experienced abuse or an unsafe situation have reached out to others online to share their experience – with 88% who have done so saying it was vital for their mental health.
- While 73% of people agree that websites and dedicated apps are helpful2 for those impacted by domestic abuse, almost one in three (29%)3 would currently consider using apps or online resources for support if they or someone they know was in an abusive or unsafe situation.
- Vodafone has a long history of supporting people impacted by domestic abuse, including a partnership with UK Crisis support charity Hestia on Bright Sky – a safe, easy-to-use app and website that provides practical support and information on how to respond to domestic abuse, for victims and bystanders.
- Vodafone and Hestia have shared expert tips for how people can better secure their tech devices to prevent misuse in abusive situations.
For women who have experienced abuse or have been in unsafe situations, 88% who were able to connect with others online to discuss their experiences said this was vital for their mental health.
42% of women said they would prefer to access support for abuse or safety issues online or on the phone, rather than in person. The majority (68%) of women reported that looking up an issue online (e.g. via Google) would be their first port of call if they were concerned about something.
Domestic abuse: ‘Standing by is no longer an option’
To mark the UN’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, Nicki Lyons, Vodafone’s UK Director of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, outlines what Vodafone is doing to support those affected by this issue.
The survey revealed that technology like smartphones are valuable tools for women’s personal safety, with 75% of women saying they have used their smartphone to help them get out of a situation that felt unsafe.
The most common uses are: phoning a friend or family member (52%); pretending to be on the phone to someone (37%); contacting the police (35%); and live location sharing, like Apple’s ‘Find My Friends’ app (34%). Almost half of women (49%) have also considered using their smartphone for protection when walking home alone.
73% of women also think that websites and dedicated apps are helpful1 for those impacted by domestic abuse. The main benefits are: the 24/7 access to support (54%); the ability to report the issue privately and securely (31%); and the access to more tailored information (25%).
However, fewer than one in three (29%) would consider using an app or website for help if they or someone they know was in an unsafe situation. This means many victims of abuse or bystanders could access specialist advice sooner if they knew that support apps like Bright Sky were available.
Study finds millions may not recognise coercive control as Vodafone supports campaign to raise awareness
The research is part of the It’s Not Nothing campaign to raise awareness and provide support to anyone affected.
Vodafone Foundation first launched Bright Sky in 2018, in partnership with UK-based crisis support charity Hestia and Hope After Harm (formerly Thames Valley Partnership). Bright Sky offers specialised resources, not only for those experiencing abuse, but also for families, loved ones, allies, employers and colleagues who want to help.
Vodafone and Hestia are calling on everyone to download the app on their phones and familiarise themselves with the content. The app is live in 14 markets across the globe, with 250,000 users in the UK to date. Bright Sky can be accessed either as a website or via an app, which is available to download for free on the App Store or Google Play.
Nicki Lyons, Chief Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Officer, Vodafone UK, said: “Mobile devices can be a lifeline for people experiencing abuse, helping them stay connected to emergency services, seek expert advice or confide in friends and family.
“We have a long-standing commitment to providing support to those in need, including connecting more than 2.6 million people affected by domestic abuse to help and advise globally.
“We must continue to work hard to spot the signs of domestic abuse and help connect people to the support they need.”
would prefer to access support for abuse or safety issues online or on the phone, rather than in person.
42%
have used their smartphone to help them get out of a situation that felt unsafe.
75%
think websites and dedicated apps are helpful for those impacted by domestic abuse.
73%
Sue Harper, Deputy Director of Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Prevention Team, Hestia, said: “One in four women will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime, so whether it’s a friend, family member or colleague, we will all know someone impacted.
“We believe everyone has a role to play in recognising and responding to abuse. Our free Bright Sky app and website provide simple, practical tools to help, with information to equip people to identify abuse, take steps to stay safe, and access specialist support.
“We’re calling on individuals, organisations and employers to act now by downloading and using Bright Sky UK. It is free, easy, and could help save someone’s life.”
While technology, like mobile devices and apps, can be valuable digital allies, there is also a risk that abusers can use technology to exert control over victims. In fact, domestic abuse charity Refuge has reported a 258% rise in the number of tech abuse cases recorded by the charity since 2018. Despite this, over a quarter (27%) of people surveyed were unaware that this kind of coercive behaviour can take place.
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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.
Tech-based coercive control can present itself through actions that are seen as caring. For example, helping set up digital accounts and apps or allowing access to login details, which may give perpetrators the ability to monitor the individual’s activity online.
To help prevent this activity and support people in securing their devices from potential misuse, Vodafone and Hestia have collaborated on a set of expert tips:
- Look for signs of unusual activity: Drained battery life, increased data usage or slow performance could indicate that someone has access to or has tampered with your device.
- If there are signs of unusual activity, consider if someone could have installed spyware or a tracking device software: Consider whether the perpetrator has ‘helped’ set up any accounts or apps on the phone – if you believe accessing information could put you in any form of danger, delete the app and access help in another way.
- Uncouple iCloud and online accounts from multiple devices: Review connected devices in iCloud or Google accounts and remove any linked devices that you don’t recognise or trust.
- Remove browser history: Clear browsing history, cookies and cached data regularly – and use private or incognito mode when appropriate.
- Enable two-factor authentication: Including email, banking and social media to prevent unauthorised access.
- Be mindful of phone records: Consider phone records and whether the perpetrator has access to these as, if so, it will provide them with updated addresses and contact details. Calls will also show up on the call log and on bills.
- Access Bright Sky in a safe space: Consider downloading the Bright Sky app on a friend or family member’s phone or accessing it on your own device in a safe space like a bank or pharmacy.
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-Ends-
Notes to Editors:
1 Those who have been in a scenario that has made them feel unsafe in the past three years.
2 ‘Very helpful’ and ‘somewhat helpful’ answers combined.
3 Those who feel confident knowing where to go for expert support or advice
- For over 10 years, Vodafone Foundation has used technology to connect over 2.6 million people affected by domestic violence, abuse and hate crime to advice, support and education.
- As a founding member of the Employers Initiative on Domestic Abuse Beacon programme, Vodafone recognises the role of employers and provides specialist support including counselling and 10 days of additional paid leave if needed for colleagues experiencing or affected by domestic abuse and is applicable to all 25 countries where the company operates.
- Vodafone has also created a toolkit on domestic abuse, available to other employers, that includes guidance for managers on remote working, how to spot signs of potential abuse, and how to provide support to anyone impacted.
- Vodafone has improved processes to better assist customers facing abuse, with a dedicated team ready to support those currently experiencing or recently escaping abusive situations. Support includes updating account security, maintaining connectivity, and directing customers to specialised assistance where required.
- Through its connected initiative Vodafone has provided 11,350 SIMs loaded with 40GB and free texts and data for 6 months to charities supporting those affected by domestic abuse. This equates to an investment of over £1.3 million.
- Vodafone Foundation has supported the Police Digital Service (PDS) over a long period of time to develop a special service to support victims and survivors of domestic abuse. This service has helped over 30,000 individuals since it was first launched. Both the PDS and the Vodafone Foundation are both deeply committed to promoting the use of technology to help tackle domestic abuse in the UK.
About the Bright Sky app
Bright Sky UK is a survivor-led solution. Launched by Hestia in 2016 with the support of Vodafone Foundation, Bright Sky is a free-to-use app and website designed in collaboration with survivors of domestic abuse. It continues to evolve based on their insights. Explore it here: uk.bright-sky.org.
Bright Sky offers specialised resources not only for those experiencing abuse but also for families, loved ones, allies, employers, and colleagues who want to help.
The platform empowers users with knowledge and tools, equipping them to:
- Use the tools safely
- Identify and understand signs of abuse
- Take steps to stay safe
- Access the right specialist support
Methodology
The research was conducted by Censuswide, with 2,000 respondents aged 16+ in the UK between 15.11.2024 – 18.11.2024. The survey was conducted from a nationally representative sample of UK adults. Censuswide abide by and employ members of the Market Research Society which is based on the ESOMAR principles. Censuswide are also members of the British Polling Council.
About Vodafone Foundation
Vodafone Foundation (UK registered charity number 1193984) believes the power of connectivity can change lives and address some of the world’s most pressing problems. Founded in 1991 with a simple mission to invest in the communities in which Vodafone operates, today the charity connects people and ideas with technology and funding, to help those already doing good work to achieve results faster, more cost effectively and with a bigger social impact. Through a strategy of Connecting for Good, Vodafone Group PLC’s philanthropic arm works in partnership with other charitable organisations and NGOs to create solutions that bring about long-term sustainable change and improve lives. For further information, please visit www.vodafonefoundation.org.
About Hestia
Hestia is a charity that supports adults and children who have experienced crisis and trauma, to find safety, hope and purpose. They specialise in trauma and resilience informed support for people, including survivors of modern slavery, adults and children escaping domestic abuse, people facing mental challenges, and people with experience of the criminal justice system. Through fostering trusting relationships at crucial moments in their recovery, they empower individuals to build a life beyond crisis.
Hestia recognises the vital role of employers in supporting people experiencing domestic abuse and sexual violence and provides training and policy support that equip them to recognise and respond to abuse within their workplaces. This includes offering specialised support for employees who might be enduring, witnessing, or even perpetrating domestic abuse. Through bank and pharmacy partners, they offer 5,700 Safe Spaces on UK high streets and are working with over 80 different businesses to provide online Safe Spaces. These offer people experiencing domestic abuse a discreet route to access specialist support, safely.
Hestia’s Bright Sky UK website and app are designed for anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or anyone who is worried about a friend, family member, or colleague. Free to use, they can help you to spot the signs of abuse, know how to respond, and find a safe route to support.
