Could Singapore Keep Its Cool With These “Stop‑The‑Molester” Apps?
In Tokyo, a free phone app called Digi Police has scored over 220,000 downloads. It’s a simple but clever tool: flip the switch, and the phone blasts a “STOP!” shout, rings a loud alarm, and flashes a screen message that says “There’s a molester. Please help.” Victims can show this to anyone around them, hoping to scare the offender off.
Other Cities, Other Success Stories
- Toronto Transit launched a 2017 safety app. In its first 10 weeks, riders reported more than 500 harassment incidents. Those reports led to the arrest of a suspect linked to two sexual assaults.
- Many cities also have apps that ping emergency services or let you discreetly lodge a complaint. The results? Mostly positive. People feel safer and more empowered.
Singapore’s Current Situation
A recent Peeping‑Tom incident at the National University of Singapore (NUS) sparked a public outcry about how sexual misconduct cases are dealt with. NUS has since started to review its practices.
When we asked local women’s groups, none knew of any similar apps here, and opinions ran deep.
- “I’d probably just scream for help,” said 26‑year‑old Tammie Kang, and said a phone just wouldn’t come to mind in a scary moment.
- Some said the effectiveness hinges on who actually gets the alert and acts. “If the app was backed by an authority, there’d be some accountability,” one marketing executive noted.
- June Goh, President of the Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations, argued that a neutral, easily accessible app could encourage shy victims to report. “Anonymity is a huge plus for those who fear retaliation,” she said.
- Dr Goh added that providing helpline and resource info would let victims access psychological, social, medical or legal help more swiftly. But she warned that a simple human conversation remains essential after any traumatic event.
The Human Side of the Fight
Lim Xiu Xuan from Aware’s Sexual Assault Care Centre stresses that the onus shouldn’t be on victims to deter or report perpetration. “The real win is educating the public on consent, respect and healthy relationships,” she said.
She also points out that technology can help document evidence, access legal remedies and connect people to support.
Aware has been exploring an online platform for survivors to record their experiences for future reporting, but they’ve hit some technical hiccups—details remain under wraps.
Lim cautions that “tech isn’t a silver bullet.” She says the key is to identify what barriers survivors face today and design tech‑driven solutions that truly fit their needs.
Bottom Line: A Useful Tool, but Not a Replacement for Human Action
While “Stop‑The‑Molester” apps could be a handy sidekick in Singapore’s fight against sexual harassment, they’re only part of the solution. Real change comes from public education, stronger law‑enforcement responses, and a community that treats everyone with respect.
