The Digital Metropolis Institute (IMD/UFRN), through its Smart Cities project, Smart Metropolis, has created an app that promises to help combat violence against women in the state of Rio Grande do Norte. Called Salve Elas, the application functions as a direct channel with the police, allowing authorities to be alerted quickly and discreetly in case of a threat to physical safety.
Fully connected to the Integrated Center for Public Security Operations (Ciosp), the application is already available for download on Google Play (for Android devices). According to Frederico Lopes, an IMD professor involved in the app’s development, this solution represents another way to combine technology with the safety and well-being of the population.
The application functions as a direct channel with the police and allows authorities to be alerted quickly and discreetly in case of a threat to physical safety – Image: IMD/UFRN
“When we talk about Smart Cities, we talk about a city that uses technology, among other resources, for the good of its citizens. One of the premises is that the systems are integrated, meaning that surveillance and security solutions communicate with each other. The app was created in this context,” says Lopes.
The application was officially launched last month, during a State Government event marking a campaign against violence against women.
Discreet Application
Salve Elas functions as a discreet, fast application with a direct connection to Ciosp – a unit that brings together different police agents in RN. The system is also associated with the Specialized Police Stations for Women’s Assistance (DEAMs), institutions responsible for the safety of women at risk of aggression, such as domestic violence, among other offenses.
In practice, Salve Elas works as a smartphone app – which can be disguised according to the user’s choice – and, when triggered, automatically sends a danger alert to Ciosp. “Besides discretion and practicality, the application also brings other advantages, such as real-time monitoring of the victim. Whether the aggression happens at home or on the street, the app informs the police of the exact location of the woman in danger. This is an important differentiator that a simple call to 190 does not cover, as it allows the woman to move to protect herself if necessary,” comments Frederico Lopes.
To use the application, the user needs, in addition to downloading it, to open a record at the nearest DEAM – a measure that prevents misuse of the system by malicious people.
Coverage
With coverage throughout Rio Grande do Norte, the app was developed by faculty and students linked to Smart Metropolis, as well as IT professionals from Ciosp. The entire process took place during 2023, culminating in its launch in December, representing the culmination of work carried out by various stakeholders.
“The branch of Smart Metropolis that works with Ciosp is very interesting. We always have the participation of students and researchers in developing our solutions, but we also have the support of programmers from the Center itself. This contributes to the high success rate of the systems, as they are already designed with everything necessary for the context of public security,” highlights Frederico Lopes.
Besides Salve Elas, Smart Metropolis develops other IT projects with Ciosp, aligned with the State Department of Public Security and Social Defense (Sesed-RN). An example is the Central of Assistance and Dispatch (CAD) – a platform created to optimize public security processes in RN – officially launched in 2022 in Mossoró. The Central currently integrates data that aids in managing police activities, such as receiving phone calls to the 190 number, dispatching patrol cars, and monitoring occurrences in real time.
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