About Safe Waters
A community-powered safety network designed by women, for women
Our Mission
To create a digital lifeline that empowers women with immediate access to their trusted community when they feel unsafe.
We believe that safety should be a right, not a privilege. Through technology and community, we’re building a world where no woman has to face danger alone.
“When you feel unsafe, your first thought should be ‘I have people who will help me,’ not ‘I’m alone.'”
*Unless you choose to involve them
How Safe Waters Works
A simple, three-step process to connect you with your safety network
Create Your Safe Profile
Set up your profile with as much or as little information as you’re comfortable sharing. Choose to be anonymous or visible.
Build Your Safety Network
Connect with trusted friends, family, or community members who will receive your alerts when you need help.
Alert When You Need
With one tap, send an alert to your network. Choose the type of help you need – from emotional support to immediate danger.
Types of Alerts You Can Send
What Makes Us Different
We’re not just another safety app – we’re building a movement
Community-First Approach
Unlike apps that immediately call police, we notify your trusted community first. Your friends know your situation better than anyone.
Complete Anonymity Option
Use the platform without revealing your identity. Your safety network knows it’s you, but the wider community doesn’t have to.
Trauma-Informed Design
Every feature is designed with input from survivors and trauma experts. We prioritize psychological safety alongside physical safety.
Global, Local Impact
While the platform is global, alerts go to your local network – people who can actually help in real-time.
Network Relay System
When you send an alert, your friends can relay it to their networks, creating exponential reach while maintaining privacy.
No Commercialization
We will never sell user data or show ads. This platform is built on trust, maintained by donations and grants.
How Network Relay Works
Our Story
From a simple idea to a growing movement
The Idea
Spring 2023
Founder Maya witnessed a close friend in a dangerous situation with no quick way to alert her entire support network. She realized: “Why isn’t there a simple button to tell all my friends I need help?”
Community Input
Summer 2023
We spoke with over 200 women about their safety concerns. The consensus: existing solutions were either too complicated, too public, or too quick to involve authorities without consent.
First Prototype
Fall 2023
With a team of volunteer developers and designers, we built the first version. Simple profile, friend connections, and one alert button. Tested with a small group of 50 women.
Public Launch
January 2024
Walk in Safe Waters launched publicly. Within the first month, over 5,000 women created profiles and formed safety networks across 12 countries.
Today & Future
2025 and Beyond
We’re expanding language support, adding offline capabilities, and developing partnerships with local women’s organizations worldwide. Our goal: reach 1 million women by 2026.
Our Core Values
The principles that guide everything we do
Safety First, Always
Every design decision, every feature, every line of code is evaluated through one lens: does this make women safer?
Community Over Technology
We use technology to enhance human connection, not replace it. The real power is in your network, not our app.
Radical Privacy
Your data belongs to you. We minimize collection, encrypt everything, and give you complete control over your information.
Voices from the Community
Hear from women who use Safe Waters
“Walking home from the library used to give me anxiety. Now I know with one tap, five friends will know if something happens. It’s changed everything.”
“As a survivor, I was hesitant about any safety app. But the anonymity option let me try it without fear. Now my sister and I are each other’s first alert.”
“When I left my abuser, I was terrified he’d find me. My Safe Waters network became my safety plan. They knew the code words, they knew what to do.”
“The relay feature is a game-changer. It creates a digital neighborhood watch that actually respects our privacy. Truly built for us.”
Ready to Walk in Safe Waters?
Join thousands of women building a safer world together.
Free forever • End-to-end encrypted • Community-powered
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common questions
Is this really free?
Yes, completely free. We’re funded by donations, grants, and the support of our community. We believe safety tools should be accessible to everyone.
Do you call the police when I send an alert?
No, never automatically. We notify your chosen friends/contacts only. You have complete control over whether and when to involve authorities.
What if I don’t have friends on the platform?
You can invite friends via email or SMS. We also have community groups you can join to connect with other women in your area who want to build mutual safety networks.
How is my data protected?
We use end-to-end encryption for all alerts and messages. We never sell or share your data. You can delete your account and all data at any time.
Can men use this platform?
While our primary focus is women’s safety, anyone can use the platform. We recognize that safety concerns affect people of all genders, though our features are designed with women’s specific experiences in mind.