The SafeWord app includes security features that surpass similar applications and is affiliated with outer resources, such as the Sexual Assault Center Hamilton and Area (SACHA) and Student Walk Home Attendant Team (SWHAT). In using the app, you have access to the SWHAT feature, which will provide McMaster students with assistance getting home from a date or meet-up. SWHAT will use both on and off-campus student volunteers to ensure that SafeWord users arrive home unharmed. We intend to provide the same integrity promise for our app users as SWHAT does for their walk-home service by offering both a walk or drive home option.
In the interest of providing our users with the safest experience possible, our “report” option will be taken very seriously. If a user is reported, their privileges on the app will be revoked, and the school will be notified of their behaviour. Creating an unsafe environment is what we intend to avoid most, and these users will face the same repercussions as if their behaviours were reported on campus. Reported users could face consequences from academic probation, to expulsion, depending on the severity of the incident.
- Our staff will review all reported incidents in order to verify that the user was reported for a justified reason.
In addition to teaming up with SWHAT, SafeWord has partnered with the Sexual Assault Center Hamilton and Area (SACHA). SACHA will have their own feature within the app where they will extend their services to our users. These services include: a 24 hour support line, counselling, and advocacy. This feature is one we hope our users will never need to utilize, as we are striving to create an environment free of the possibility of assault.
Safeword 