Bright Sky Domestic Abuse Advice Guidance App Introduction

Bright Sky Domestic Abuse Advice & Guidance App

Introduction ü Bright Sky is a digital application (app) to support victims of domestic abuse and their families and friends ü Bright Sky aims to offer those experiencing domestic abuse, or those concerned about someone they know, a range of resources which will empower them to seek the help they need and to serve as a comprehensive toolkit

Your role. . . ü Look through this Power. Point to understand what this App can do for you and the public you come in contact with ü Download the App on to your work phone ü Tell members of the public and agency colleagues about this app – no matter whether you are a front line Police Officer, CID, PCSOs, a call taker, DARO, HAU etc.

Covert Mode ü When downloading the App, there is the option to have it in covert mode so it appears to be a fully functional weather App, based on the phone’s GPS location ü It can be set on or off from covert mode by pressing and holding the degree symbol

Pathways ü The user choses whether the information they are looking for is to support themselves as a victim or for someone else

Forms of Abuse ü Up-to-date descriptions of multiple forms of abuse ü Many of them the general public are likely to be unaware of ü Content is meant to raise awareness and understanding that some cultural practices are unacceptable

My Journal ü Provides the user a ‘e-diary’ to log incidents of abuse in text, audio, video and photo form. ü Content is saved on the cloud using a secret email address, with no content saved on the device itself. ü Users are given instructions in how to create a new (i. e. secret) email address if a safe one is not already available to them.

Risk Assessment Tools ü Inspired by the current DASH risk assessment. ü It recommends user to look for specialist support services if they believe they could be victims ü The most used feature of the application

Myths ü This assessment tool allows the user to check his/her knowledge about domestic abuse through different scenarios in which the user has to decide if the statement is true or false

Sexual Consent & Stalking ü Provides scenarios in which sexual consent was not given or stalking may be present. ü Provides an explanation of the scenario, and what support is available. ü Portrays a range of individuals of different ages, genders, race and ethnicity.

Online Safety Guide ü This tool provides guidance in how to keep safe online and whilst using social media platforms.

Types of Support ü This section explains the roles of specialist support services – IDVA’s, ISVA’s, counselling and refuge ü It also explains the role of the police

National Directory ü Provides the only publicly available nationwide resource of specialist advocacy services through out the United Kingdom ü Searches can made using current location (ie phone GPS) or a specific city/town or local authority ü 600 services+ which are reviewed every 3 months.

Helplines and 999 ü National helplines are available that tackle different aspects of abuse and/or provide information ü Users can dial 999 through the Bright Sky app and does NOT present to B. T. and police as a Tec. SOS call

Languages ü Bright Sky is provided also in 4 languages; English, Polish, Punjabi and Urdu ü More languages are soon to be added

What now. . . ü Download the App on to your work phone ü Tell members of the public and agency colleagues about this app – no matter whether you are a front line Police Officer, CID, PCSOs, a call taker, DARO, HAU etc. . . you all have a role to play in supporting domestic abuse victims.