Dhaka: Joy, a mobile app on receiving emergency support to combat violence against women and children, was launched on Sunday.

The mobile-based Joy application software has been developed by Multi-Sectoral Program on Violence Against Women (MSPVAW) of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs with funding and technical support from the a2i Programme in an attempt to provide immediate assistance to women and children who are already and/or are about to be victims of torture or violence.

Anyone from anywhere can search for ‘Joy 109’ app at the Google AppStore and download it at their android-based phones.

During an emergency, the app user can instantaneously send distress SMS to the Police Super, Deputy Police Commissioner of the metropolitan police, 3 selected FNF numbers and the National Helpline Center (109).

State Minister for Women and Children Affairs Meher Afroze Chumki, MP launched the app.

Access to Information Program (a2i) of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Division and MSPVAW jointly hosted the launching ceremony at the auditorium of Bangladesh Shishu Academy in the city.

Secretary of ICT Division Zuena Aziz, Director General of the Department of Women Affairs Kazi Rowshon Akter, Deputy Inspector General Raushan Ara Begum; Additional Police Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police Krishna Pada Roy; Director General of Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission Brig Gen Md Mustafa Kamal were present at the programme chaired by Secretary of Women and Children Affairs Ministry, Nasima Begum.