Charity launches domestic abuse support app in Welsh

IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 30th July 2020

~ Bright Sky app provides support and information to anyone who may be in an abusive relationship or those concerned about someone they know ~

A free app has launched in Welsh for people who are experiencing domestic abuse and for those concerned about someone they know.

The Bright Sky app, created in partnership between crisis charity Hestia and the Vodafone Foundation, provides support and information including a UK-wide directory of specialist domestic abuse services with contact details.

Bright Sky, which is already available in English, saw a 47% increase in downloads during the lockdown period. The surge in downloads comes alongside widespread reports of domestic abuse rising during lockdown, with victims having to stay at home with perpetrators and being cut off from potential support networks.

The latest release of the app, which was funded by Comic Relief and includes the Welsh language version, will allow Welsh-speaking communities across the country to access information and resources on domestic abuse instantly through their phone.

The app also includes a secure ‘My Journal’ tool to record instances of abuse in text, photo, video and audio form without any of the content saved on the device itself, and a ‘Am I At Risk’ questionnaire so individuals can assess the safety of their relationship.

Concerned loved ones can access a questionnaire to determine whether a friend or family member is at risk, alongside access to other domestic abuse resources.

Specialist and non-specialist practitioners are encouraged to download Bright Sky in order to ensure they know how to respond should some disclose that they are experiencing domestic abuse.

Carolyn Harris, MP for Swansea East and champion of Hestia’s UK SAYS NO MORE campaign against domestic abuse said:

“The Covid-19 lockdown has revealed a shadow pandemic that has impacted our communities for decades. As the plight of domestic abuse victims holds national attention, there has never been a more crucial time for us to ensure the right support is available to those who need it.

I am pleased to see that the Bright Sky app, a vital resource for victims of domestic abuse and concerned friends and family members alike, will now be available in Welsh. This will open up vital opportunities to access support to even more communities.”

Patrick Ryan, CEO at Hestia, said:

“The prevalence of domestic abuse in our lives has never been so evident. The Welsh version of Bright Sky will enable communities, victims and their friends and family members across Wales to locate and contact specialist support services and access a wide range of information and resources. Now more than ever, it is crucial that all victims of domestic abuse and their loved ones know that this support is available and is accessible.”

Bright Sky is available to download now from the App Store and Google Play store and should be downloaded onto a phone that a victim feels safe using and that only they have access to.

Learn more about the Bright Sky app

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Notes to editor

For press and media enquiries please contact: [email protected]

• The app can also be accessed in English, Urdu, Punjabi and Polish.

About Hestia:

For 50 years, Hestia has provided support and hope every step of the way of recovery. Today, millions of people are experiencing domestic abuse, modern slavery and challenges with their mental health. Hestia believes no-one should suffer alone. Together, we can make sure people find a life beyond crisis.

At Hestia we support adults and children in times of crisis. We deliver services across London and the surrounding regions, as well as campaign and advocate nationally on the issues that affect the people we work with. Last year we supported 10,766 men, women and children. This includes victims of modern slavery, women and children who have experienced domestic abuse, young care leavers and older people. From giving someone a home, to helping them to get the right mental health support, we support people at the moment of crisis and enable them to build a life beyond a crisis. We are supported by nearly 600 volunteers across London who provide specialist skills such as art therapy, yoga, IT, gardening and cooking, as well as befriending and fundraising.

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