Vodafone Ireland Foundation today launches Bright Sky Ireland, a free app providing support and information around domestic abuse, created in partnership with Hestia along with Women's Aid Ireland and An Garda Síochána.

The app follows on from the 2018 launch of Bright Sky across the UK and is the latest development as part of Vodafone Foundation's domestic violence project across Europe.

Bright Sky Ireland provides a questionnaire in order for users to assess the safety of their relationship, whilst also enabling them to search their area, eircode or current location in order to locate their nearest support service. 

The app's digital journal feature is designed to allow users to securely log incidents of domestic abuse using the text, audio, photo or video functions, without any of the content being saved on the device. This evidence can then be given to Gardaí and can be used to help secure prosecutions.

Other features of the app include information on different types of abuse, sexual violence, stalking and harassment, as well as insight on the types of support available, how to help a loved one if you think they might be in an abusive relationship and a section with guidance on things to consider if you are thinking about leaving an abusive relationship.

Last year, our research with Opinium found that 1 in 3 people wouldn't know how to help a loved one experiencing domestic abuse, highlighting the need for an app such as Bright Sky Ireland in ensuring everyone feels confident in supporting someone they know who may be in an abusive relationship.

In addition, research conducted by the Vodafone Foundations has shown that 31% of Irish workers have experienced a form of domestic abuse.

Patrick Ryan, CEO at Hestia, said:

“We know that without access to specialist services, the long-term impact of domestic abuse can be devastating. Bright Sky was conceived in consultation with women living in Hestia refuges in 2015. Their lived experience led us to create a much-needed app which has now been downloaded nearly 20,000 times. We are delighted that Bright Sky will now be available here in Ireland to provide those experiencing domestic abuse, as well as friends and family worried about someone, with the information and support they need to break the cycle of abuse.”

The Bright Sky Ireland app was launched at an event held at the Science Gallery in Dublin on 25 June 2019, with speakers including Hestia's CEO Patrick Ryan, Executive Director of Women's Aid Ireland Sarah Benson and CEO of Vodafone Ireland, Anne O'Leary, followed by an expert panel discussion.

Bright Sky Ireland is available to download on the App Store for iOS and Google Play for Android.

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Learn more about the Bright Sky app

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