Following three recent reports of assaults on women along the coastal promenade of Agios Tychonas in Limassol which led to the arrest of a 24-year-old man, public debate in Cyprus has once again turned to the urgent need for stronger protection measures for women facing gender-based or other forms of violence.
In this context, Politis presents an innovative mobile application that offers women immediate help and a secure network of protection. Founded by Cypriot entrepreneur Dimitra Andreou, the InSaviour App has already attracted international recognition. Andreou won first place in a hackathon competition in Spain, representing Cyprus, and later was selected among the Top 15 European innovators at the World Summit Awards in Austria.
She recounts to Politis the journey of InSaviour, from its moment of conception to its official launch just a few weeks ago.
A button could save a life
“InSaviour is a social start-up and an internationally recognised innovation. It’s the first app designed to provide immediate, practical help when a woman feels she is in danger,” Andreou explains.
With a single tap, the app connects the user to her verified network of women. Those alerted instantly receive her location on a navigation map and enter a group chat to coordinate assistance. The SOS (High Alert) mode can also notify the user’s personal contacts, even if they don’t have the app installed via SMS. These emergency contacts can include men if the user wishes.
A Medium Alert, also known as the “escort mode”, is available for situations where a woman does not face immediate danger but still wants to feel secure, for instance, while walking home at night or taking public transport. Once activated, a short message is posted, alerting nearby users who can respond “I’m on my way”, fostering a sense of solidarity and reassurance.
The third option, a Private Alert, sends an automatic message only to emergency contacts, without notifying the wider InSaviour network.
In short, the app offers three layers of protection:
-
High Alert (SOS): Notifies nearby InSaviour users and emergency contacts.
-
Medium Alert: Notifies only the InSaviour community.
-
Private Alert: Notifies only personal emergency contacts.
A safe and verified network
“InSaviour also gives access to informative articles, self-defence videos, anonymous community posts, and expert chats for psychological support,” says Andreou.
Security and authenticity are key. Only women over 18 can register, and identity verification is fully automated, similar to systems used by online banking platforms, ensuring a safe and verified community. The app can be quickly activated through a widget on the home screen, and every login requires Face ID or a passcode to protect personal data.
“The app’s success depends on community,” Andreou stresses. “Women need to be connected to one another within their local area. We already have active networks in Greece and Cyprus, and as more women download it abroad, they can invite friends to build local support circles.”
The broader goal, she says, is to help reduce gender-based violence globally. The app is currently available on the App Store, and will be released on Google Play in November. Its slogan #WeStartTogether reflects its mission: “because change begins with us, the women.”
Born after a tragedy
The idea for InSaviour emerged in March 2021, following the tragic murder of 33-year-old Sarah Everard in London. Everard was walking home when she was kidnapped and killed by an off-duty police officer, a case that sparked outrage and protests across the UK.
“That was the moment I realised help must come instantly. At the exact moment a woman is in danger, not after the incident,” Andreou says. She adds that future plans include potential collaboration with police authorities, though this will require careful development.
InSaviour operates with a small subscription fee of €3 per month, ensuring both sustainability and safety. “Our priority is social impact, not profit,” Andreou emphasises.
Although the app has only been available for ten days, feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. “At first, some were hesitant because of the subscription, but now more and more women understand its importance and are downloading it. This is just the beginning,” she says, adding that the next version will include new features and improvements.
Beyond her work on InSaviour, Andreou also leads self-defence workshops for women in both Cyprus and Greece, continuing her mission to empower women and make safety accessible to all.
