GuardDV: a proximity detection device for homeless survivors of domestic violence

Abstract

Research in homelessness points to a recent increase in the population of homeless women. Survivors of domestic violence who become homeless as a result of their flight from an abusive situation seem to comprise an increasingly significant segment of this group. GuardDV is a system that seeks to address the safety concerns of domestic violence survivors who do not possess a stable residence. The system warns the potential victim and the corresponding law enforcement organizations about the physical proximity of the aggressor. For this project, an interdisciplinary team committed to improve the quality of life of DV homeless survivors employed qualitative accounts as part of a participatory design [10] effort.