Hollie Guard, the personal safety app from the Hollie Gazzard Trust has been updated to include improved functionality and operational efficiency including in app registration and a new report facility.
Launched in 2015, Hollie Guard is a free app developed to enhance individual personal safety. With over 115,000 downloads “there is evidence that it is helping people, and in many cases saving lives, said Hollie Gazzard Trust founder, Nick Gazzard. “The app is not just for victims of domestic abuse and stalking, although now more than ever we feel it can help those who find themselves in situations that are totally unacceptable and often dangerous.”
Hollie Guard turns your smartphone into an advanced personal safety device at the touch of a button. If in danger simply shake your phone to generate an alert, your location, audio and video evidence of the incident will automatically be sent to your emergency contact via text and email. Shake it again and it sends out a high pitched alarm and the flash starts to strobe, in order to attract maximum attention.
In addition, a new offering providing enhanced levels of monitoring, Hollie Guard Extra, a paid-for solution, allows users to access a 24 hour monitored service, meaning when an alert is raised it goes automatically to a trained individual who is able assist those in need. The monitoring agent will have access to the users emergency contacts, which is often family or friends, who they can alert to inform them that the user is in danger, or in severe cases they will liaise directly with the emergency services.
Hollie Guard was developed by Panic Guard Ltd for the Hollie Gazzard Trust and is named after Hollie. The Hollie Gazzard Trust was set up after the murder of Hollie Gazzard at her salon in Gloucester in 2014 by her ex-partner, who had actively stalked Hollie following an abusive relationship.
Hollies’ father Nick is the chairman of the trust said: “As many of us are social distancing from home in a safe environment, there are unfortunately still many victims of domestic abuse who have found themselves trapped in their most dangerous place – home. Tragically, domestic abuse killings have more than doubled since the UK has been locked down. The Hollie Gazzard Trust has always aimed to be an open door to victims of domestic abuse and stalking throughout the UK and beyond. Victims often play down the dangers they are in and do not want to be a ‘hindrance’. In reality, there are organisations they can reach out to and we are certainly one of them.
Hollie Guard Extra, a paid-for solution, allows users to access a 24 hour monitored service, meaning when an alert is raised it goes automatically to a trained individual who is able assist those in need. The monitoring agent will have access to the users emergency contacts, which is often family or friends, who they can alert to inform them that the user is in danger, or in severe cases they will liaise directly with the emergency services.
Nick Gazzard said: “We see this as a ground breaking and life saving development and a positive response to feedback received. Many victims of domestic abuse and stalking play down the level of danger they are in, or might not even realise it. Hollie Guard Extra gives confidence and reassurance that someone will always be there should you need it, especially with social distancing measures in place.
Hollie Guard also still contains many of its original features including: If travelling the Journey feature allow’s you to notify your friends, family and co-workers of your movements. Meetings allow you to identify when you are going to a meeting or working alone. An alert will automatically be created if the timer expires or you do not cancel the meeting.
Man down facility provides extra protection for users in situations where injury or personal immobilisation is possible by flagging sudden deceleration, non-movement and impact.
Nick added: “During this outbreak of covid-19 we have seen a spike in users and downloads of the app. However, the statistics are harrowing and we know we can reach out to more people who need support and safety from violence and coercive behaviour. Our hearts go out to anyone who has suffered or is suffering and our message to them is that we are here to help. Please seek the support which is available, support that Hollie sadly did not have.”
The App is available on operating systems: Apple, Android, and Windows. For more information please visit the website www.hollieguard.com