Family Violence App Wins Inaugural Premier’s iAward
30 June 2016 at 9:31 am
An innovative family violence app has won the inaugural Victorian Premier’s iAward for Innovation at the Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA) Awards.
The SmartSafe+ app, by the Domestic Violence Resource Centre Victoria (DVRCV), won the top Victorian public sector award.
The free app helps women collect detailed evidence in order to obtain a protection order or prove a breach of one.
It collects photographs, video and recordings and saves them off-device to ensure the evidence can be protected and used in court.
DVRCV CEO Emily Maguire said SmartSafe+ was a new and interactive smartphone app that supported women experiencing family violence to access the justice system.
She said DVRCV worked closely with the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria, Victoria Police, and community and legal services to develop the app and ensure it is a trusted and respected tool for protecting women.
Premier Daniel Andrews said: “SmartSafe+ is a fantastic app helping to tackle family violence. It will save lives – and it’s a fitting first winner of the Victorian Premier’s iAward for Public Sector Innovation.”
The AIIA iAwards recognise the achievements of Australian organisations at the forefront of technology-led innovation.
The award categories include Consumer, Community Services, Industrial and Primary Industries, Public Sector and Government, and Student Nominations.
The Community Services award went to health software company HealthKit and the Ask Izzy homeless help app by Not for Profit Infoxchange – received a merit award.
Ask Izzy allows people to search more than 350,000 services across Australia and was launched by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in January 2016.
Infoxchange CEO David Spriggs said at the time that Ask Izzy provided access to Australia’s most comprehensive directory of services so those who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness, can find what they need.
“No-one expects to be homeless and often they don’t know where to find help,” Spriggs said.
“Their phone is a lifeline, but finding services can be difficult because information can be outdated, waiting lists long and service criteria complex.
“Ask Izzy is an easy-to-use tool developed in close collaboration with people who have experienced homelessness and leaders in the homelessness sector, to make sure it responds to their needs.”
The state-by-state iAwards were announced during June.
Chief executive of Australian Information Industry Association Rob Fitzpatrick said the iAwards were Australia’s leading awards for innovation in ICT, honouring organisations, researchers and students at the cutting edge of technology innovation in Australia.
“With over 600 entries this year, the number has almost doubled from last year, boosted by a very strong showing from the public sector, at all levels of government,” Fitzpatrick said.
“Hosted by the Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA) for the last 22 years, the awards recognise and reward ICT innovations that make a positive impact on the community. There have been many entries from government in the past, but this year they comprise the majority.”
