A platform called “AI Auntie” has been launched in South Africa to support survivors of sexual assault.
The platform’s founder, Leonora Tima, from South Africa, experienced a personal tragedy at the age of 19 when a close relative was found dead on the roadside near Cape Town.
SOCIAL SILENCE AND LEONORA’S STRUGGLE
In an interview with the BBC, Leonora — who has also experienced violence herself — said the most painful part of her relative’s death was how society quietly accepted what had happened.
She stated that no news outlet ever covered the incident, and the perpetrator was never caught.
This silence and societal acceptance motivated Leonora to develop a digital platform called “Gender Rights in Tech (Grit)”, where survivors can speak out and track their cases safely.
GRIT’S GOALS AND COMMUNITY RESEARCH
Leonora and her small team conducted field research in Cape Town’s informal settlements, interviewing local communities about their experiences with violence and how they integrate technology into their lives.
After speaking with over 800 people, they found that most survivors were reluctant to go to the police or seek help through traditional channels.
Leonora realized that the current system punishes victims both by ignoring violence and by silencing them when they try to speak up.
Grit, therefore, aims to provide a safe and digital space for survivors to express themselves.
HOW DOES AI AUNTIE WORK?
The app currently has 13,000 users, and in September alone, more than 10,000 requests for help were reported through the platform.
Users can press a panic button during an assault, which records a 20-second audio clip. The recording automatically alerts the nearest local support organization, allowing responders to understand what’s happening in real time.
Leonora also noted that, so far, the system has not been misused by users.
LEGAL SUPPORT AND TRAUMA SHARING FEATURES
Users can securely store evidence of abuse, such as photos, screenshots, and voice recordings.
All uploaded materials are encrypted and protected, preventing deletion or tampering.
This helps survivors preserve legally admissible evidence for court proceedings.
Grit also includes a chatbot feature that allows survivors to anonymously share their experiences and receive emotional support from AI.
THE SCALE OF VIOLENCE IN SOUTH AFRICA AND GRIT’S SIGNIFICANCE
Between 2015 and 2020, data shows that an average of seven women are killed every day in South Africa.
Femicide remains one of the country’s most pressing social issues.
As a result, Grit is being recognized as an innovative digital initiative addressing this critical problem.
International organizations are closely following the project, viewing it as a groundbreaking step in the fight against gender-based violence.