### Over 600 Women Download “Purple Button” Emergency App in October
In October, 621 women downloaded the “Purple Button” emergency application, according to data from the Municipal Department of Security and Citizen Protection. This app serves as a crucial tool for women facing violence, providing a quicker response than dialing 911, as it allows authorities to track and respond in real-time.
Since its launch in 2022, the app has been downloaded over 126,692 times. During just the first half of October, 63 alerts were issued, with 26 specifically for gender-based or domestic violence, leading to 17 arrests.
University student Yoselinne Rodríguez shared that she and her friends downloaded the app two years ago. While they haven’t needed to use it, having it installed offers a sense of security. She also highlighted the importance of using location-sharing apps due to trust issues in the community. Rodríguez mentioned feeling particularly vulnerable while using ride-hailing services due to reports of disappearances in the area.
In 2024, Tijuana matched the number of femicides recorded in 2023 within just six months, reflecting an alarming trend necessitating robust safety measures like the Purple Button app.
### Additional Information: Safety Concerns and Measures in Tijuana
Recent data indicates a troubling rise in gender-based violence in Tijuana, heightening safety concerns among residents. In response, apps like the “Purple Button” are becoming vital for personal security, especially for women. These digital solutions are part of ongoing efforts by the authorities to combat violence and provide rapid response capacities across the city.
In other recent developments, ride-hailing safety concerns have propelled local debates on how to enhance security protocols for riders and drivers alike. There’s increasing advocacy for implementing additional safety features in these services to protect passengers.
Efforts are also being made to improve infrastructure and security in the region. The Banco de América del Norte is involved in projects to ease border crossings at the Otay checkpoint and create development initiatives in San Quintín and San Felipe.
Meanwhile, public safety remains a pressing issue, as evidenced by a tragic incident at Prime Wheel, where a worker died after being caught in machinery, prompting a large-scale safety operation at the plant.
These incidents underline the urgent need for community-wide safety enhancements and the adoption of technological resources like the “Purple Button” to help prevent violence and ensure rapid emergency support for those in need.