Mobile app “Joy” launched to combat violence against women

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DHAKA, July 29, 2018 (BSS) – A mobile app “Joy” was launched today in an
attempt to provide immediate assistance to women and children who are already
or are about to be victims of torture or violence.

State Minister for Women and Children Affairs Meher Afroze Chumki opened
the app as the chief guest at a function at the Bangladesh Shishu Academy
auditorium in the city, a press release said.

Access to Information (a2i) Programme of the Information and Communication
Technology (ICT) Division and the Multi-Sectoral Programme on Violence
against Women (MSPVAW) of the Women and Children Affairs Ministry jointly
organised the function.

ICT Division Secretary Zuena Aziz and Director General of Women Affairs
Department Kazi Rowshon, among others, were present at the function.

The mobile-based “Joy” application software has been developed by MSPWAW
with funding and technical support from the Access to Information (a2i) of
Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

Any one from anywhere can search for “Joy 109” app at the Google App Store
and download it at their android-based phone.

During an emergency, the app user can instantaneously send distress SMS to
the Police Super, Deputy Police Commissioner of the metropolitan police,
three selected FNF (friend and family) numbers and the National Helpline
Center (109).

Also, just by pressing an emergency button and without alerting the
offender, the app user who may be the victim can share GPS location, audio
recording, and even picture of the surrounding to the concerned officers via
mobile message.

This would count as evidence that the Joy Apps Center can later use to
help the victim get justice. If someone wants to file a written complaint, it
can be done by clicking the ‘Complain’ option in the app, selecting complaint
type and sending complain with all details.

‘Attach’ option allows to attach images and audio. The photos and audio
captured from the apps will be kept confidential and can only be seen by the
implementing agency, Joy Apps Center.

The app will get automatically updated with system updates. It promises to
be an effective step in providing immediate assistance to victims and
identifying offenders.

Reference to the request of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, it
is to be noted that the Police Headquarters has appointed the AIG (Crime,
West) and the Additional Police Commissioner (Expatriate Assistance Cell) as
focal points for this project to successfully implement the apps.