A smartphone and tablet app on the topic of domestic violence has been launched by an Australian campaigner.
iMatter is aimed at younger women and is designed to help them recognise “the warning signs of abusive and controlling behaviour in relationships.” Through a mix of regularly updated quizzes, messages and videos, users will learn about self-esteem, different types of abusive relationship, and how to make choices that keep them safe.
The app was developed by the Doncaster Community Care and Counselling Centre, a social care organisation in the Australian state of Victoria. It was launched by domestic violence campaigner Rosie Batty.
Batty, originally from Britain, became involved after her 11 year-old son was murdered by his mentally ill father last year.
She told reporters:
“I think throughout our communities, at any age, we’re learning it’s not just about physical violence. Violence is also psychological, which includes verbal. It’s not just about wearing a black eye and physical harm, it’s far more complex than that.”
People who lack healthy self-esteem due to troubled backgrounds are most likely to enter “toxic relationships”, she added.
The iMatter app is available for iOS (iPhones and iPads) here and for Android devices here.
