Sexual violence against women is a major problem all over the world. Now, a tech start-up based at The Hague’s Humanity Hub, has developed an app that is helping women fight back by arming them with legally valid evidence that can be used to convict their abusers.
Safer reporting through technology
Violence behind closed doors often remains invisible. Only one in ten victims of domestic or sexual violence reports an incident, largely due to stigma and a fear of not being believed. EviSafe is helping overcome these persistent barriers by documenting abuse in real time, encouraging more victims to come forward in the knowledge they have the evidence to back up their cases.
EviSafe App
The app is activated by trigger words and can record and transcribe abuse even while a mobile device is in sleep mode in a handbag or a nightstand. This creates a timestamped record that can be used by victims to prove when, where, and how abuse took place.
“As a victim of sexual violence myself, I know how crucial it is to have proof, but even more so to have the ability to call for help the moment you need it. With EviSafe, when a code word is recognised, the app automatically records for five minutes and can also alert a trusted contact. That combination of immediate support and secure evidence can make a real difference in moments where safety is most needed.”
The app is primarily designed to protect women from domestic abuse in the home, but its creators realise the need for tech solutions that will also keep them safe in public spaces.
A tragedy that sparked action
In August 2025, the Netherlands was confronted with the fatal assault of ‘Lisa’, a young woman who was attacked after being pulled from her bicycle on a public street in Amsterdam. The incident prompted a national debate on women’s safety, particularly at night. In response, various initiatives and campaigns, including ‘Wij Eisen de Nacht Op’ (We own the night) and long-standing movements such as the Dolle Mina’s, have renewed calls for structural measures to improve street safety and prevent violence against women.
“We believe you need a hands-free tool that will detect danger as early as possible. Alongside EviSafe we are developing two further apps. The Guardian app is triggered by keywords and alerts Guardians or other trusted persons via an audio or video call; and the Hero app that notifies other people in the surrounding area whenever an attack is imminent or in progress. Our goal is to create a community where everyone feels safer and more involved.”
Building a nationwide support system
Recently, EviSafe launched a pilot with the municipality of The Hague. Through the Support, Empowerment and Prevention (SEP) module, the city can add and manage local information within the app, tailored to specific target groups and neighbourhoods. This allows users to immediately find relevant local services such as shelters, victim support organisations and care providers. EviSafe aims to scale this model to other municipalities, encouraging more cities to make essential support information digitally accessible.
Support from The Hague
EviSafe’s approach has already been recognised with several awards and funds in 2025, including the AI Pitch Competition, the Pels Rijcken Access to Justice Fund, and the ImpactCity The Hague Innovators Challenge Award.
Designing safety, delivering impact
On 27 November 2025, EviSafe marked its two-year anniversary during the Orange the World campaign, which calls attention to the global fight against violence towards women and girls. From The Hague, International City of Peace and Justice, EviSafe continues to demonstrate how technology, local collaboration and human-centred design can make a tangible difference in people’s lives.
EviSafe’s Android version is available right now in English and Dutch from Google Playstore, with an iOS option coming soon.
Municipality of The Hague is the first to join new app against domestic violence
Victims of domestic violence can now get help from the new, AI-driven, app EviSafe. The app helps victims record evidence and get help immediately. Tips and advice are also given and all local forms of help are clearly listed. The municipality of The Hague was the first to join.
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