A number of developers have devised clever applications that turn your smartphone into a personal security device and provide an extra line of defence for those most vulnerable.

SafeSnapp

The SafeSnapp app lets you use your iPhone to send out information about a suspicious person if you feel threatened. Just tap the icon and point your phone in the direction of the person – and the app will send photos, GPS coordinates, as well as the time and cell phone number to your emergency contacts. Within seconds, the app will take three photos of the potential attacker and email them to your emergency contact along with your coordinates. If the attacker takes the phone, it’s too late – the email has been sent. SafeSnapp costs $3.99.

Circle of 6

The Circle of 6 app asks you to add six friends, who at the push of a button get an email with a GPS location asking them to come get you. You can also send a text requesting a phone call to interrupt a bad date. Circle of 6 is free.

bSafe

The bSafe app lets you set up your own personal safety network of friends and family. You can share locations and friends can follow you home with GPS tracing. You can also set an alarm that immediately starts video and audio recording of the suspect and sends a text message to your network that says you’re in trouble. bSafe is also free.

All of the apps are available for iPhones and Android. 

While the personal safety apps can be helpful, self defense experts say they won’t work in all situations. You may not have time to get to your phone and open those apps in the event of an attack.

So the experts say the best advice is to learn about self-defense: Be aware of your surroundings, and the next time you find yourself in trouble fight back with everything you’ve got.

“No matter what, there's no time for complacency or rolling over in the situation. You have to fight. It's for your life," said Emma Hamilton of Elements Academy of Martial Arts.  

Other safety tips include:

  • Let someone know when you're going out for a walk or run alone, what your route is, and when you're expected to be back.
  • Never, ever wear headphones, so you can hear an attacker approaching.
  • Be alert. Walk tall, strong and confident.
  • Keep your head up at all times. Don't walk and text, staring down at your smartphone.