British tech firm imabi has developed software to help support students dealing with sexual harassment directly through a first-of-its-kind app.
‘imabi inspire’ allows students to anonymously report sexual harassment and other harmful behaviours in a discreet way, granting staff the ability to monitor reports and identify issues.
The software is centred around a reporting service, putting students directly in touch with support teams.
Termly data reports are also delivered directly to safeguarding teams within the school, college or university.
In-app support and guidance are available for students to enable a better understanding of the issues they may face and how to get help.
imabi’s software responds to Ofsted’s requirement that schools show they are aware of and are tackling any issues of sexual abuse which may arise.
Recent data shows 90 per cent of girls and 50% of boys reported seeing unwanted sexual images, while 92% of girls and 74% of boys reported sexist name-calling.
Mark Balaam, CEO and founder of imabi, said: “Sexual harassment is far more commonplace in schools than many would believe, but students are unfairly burdened with a fear of not being believed or are even blamed if they report inappropriate behaviour.
“imabi works with both students and staff to provide a safe space for reporting and improve safeguarding intervention for a no tolerance culture towards harassment in our educational institutions.”
imabi has also recently launched another first-of-a-kind app in partnership with British Transport Police as part of the ‘Speak Up, Interrupt’ campaign tackling violence against women across the transport network.
The Railway Guardian app provides tips on how users can become active bystanders with in-depth guidance on what and how to report incidents of sexual harassment and other harmful behaviours.
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