Mobile-Based Safety Intervention for Women: An Empirical Study of the Kavalan SOS Application among Working Women and College Students in Tiruchirappalli District
Author(s): Dr. Kalpana K, Dr. Monika Singh, Dr. Shashikala B. Yadav
Publication #: 2603001
Date of Publication: 04.08.2025
Country: India
Pages: 1-8
Published In: Volume 11 Issue 4 August-2025
Abstract
Women’s safety has become a critical social concern in India due to increased mobility, workforce participation, and greater exposure to public spaces. In response, the Tamil Nadu Police launched the Kavalan SOS mobile application in June 2018 as a digital policing initiative to provide immediate emergency assistance. The app enables users to send discreet SOS alerts with real-time GPS location tracking, allowing rapid police intervention in cases of harassment, assault, stalking, kidnapping, and related threats.
This study investigates awareness, usage patterns, and perceived effectiveness of the Kavalan SOS application among working women and college students in Tiruchirappalli District. A quantitative survey design was adopted. Using purposive sampling, 200 respondents (100 working women and 100 college students) aged 18–45 years were selected. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered via Google Forms and analyzed using factor analysis with eigenvalue extraction and factor loading.
Six significant factors were identified using the Kaiser Criterion (Eigenvalue > 1). The most influential factor was Physical Safety and Immediate Response (6.45), followed by Geographical Location Tracking (4.12) and User-Friendly Interface (3.28). Findings indicate that although the app is perceived as beneficial, usage is lower among working women, highlighting the need for targeted awareness and training initiatives.
Keywords: Women’s Safety, Kavalan SOS App, Digital Policing, Factor Analysis, Eigenvalue, Tiruchirappalli District.
Download/View Count: 2
Share this Article