Creating a safer world and addressing violence means fostering spaces where everyone’s voice is heard, respected and valued. It’s about ensuring that no one feels diminished or threatened, whether it’s in the workplace, at home or on the streets. And it’s not just in conversations – respect is also shown through actions.

Together, we can build a culture where everyone feels empowered, supported and, ultimately, safe from violence. Read on to find resources and apps that can help.

In Esta Soler’s TED Talk, “How we turned the tide on domestic violence”, the activist and violence and abuse prevention expert looks at the evolution of tactics and technologies used to address domestic violence – such as when Polaroid cameras were introduced in emergency rooms across the US in the 1980s, providing a way to document abuse and make the usually invisible, visible.

Watch Soler’s talk in the TED app – you’ll find other talks on the same topic in the Watch Next section below it.

Lauren Taylor has spent decades teaching violence prevention skills to vulnerable groups and founded Defend Yourself, an organisation that hosts workshops and courses designed to help people claim their power, assert boundaries and protect themselves.

Watch her powerful TEDx Talk “Gender-Based Violence: It’s Really, Really Not Your Fault” on the TEDx Talks’ Channel on YouTube, along with more talks on the topic of gender-based violence.

In conversation with survivors and professionals working in the field of gender-based violence, coach Anna Knight addresses abuse from different angles: not just physical and psychological, but also financial exploitation and neglect. Listen to the series Activate: Sixteen Conversations About Gender-based Violence in the Audible app.

These apps are designed to help people feel safer when out and about, ensure loved ones can look out for each other and connect you with like-minded communities and a support network whenever you need it.

Available in English, Italian, German and French, Viola enables you to make video calls or chat with trained volunteers who will accompany you whenever you’re walking somewhere and feel you need an extra layer of safety. Being on the phone can act as a deterrent to potential aggressors and help you feel less isolated.

The Sorority is a global support network and trusted app for dealing with violence, harassment and insecurity. Thanks to its network of more than 200,000 women and gender non-conforming people, it’s a beacon of protection, mutual aid and daily support. Available worldwide in French and English, it helps users find assistance and safe spaces in times of need, especially in cases of domestic violence and harassment.

The bSafe app helps prevent and reduce crime, violence and assaults. The SOS button automatically starts audio and video recording, via voice command if needed. When SOS is activated, the Live Streaming feature lets your guardians see and hear what’s happening in real time. There are also Follow Me and I’m Here features that offer live GPS tracking so trusted contacts know where you are, while Fake Call can be used to get out of uncomfortable or potentially threatening situations.

SafeNow puts safety in everyone’s hands by allowing you to quickly connect with family, friends or local security. When in SafeNow Zones, you can send alerts to professional security guards, who receive precise location details to ensure a fast response. You can also form private groups to watch out for each other and the app’s loud alerts in emergency situations override Focus Mode.