When Safety Is Silent but Strong: Ask Joan’s Growing Community of Hope

It’s been a deeply purposeful month at Ask Joan, with momentum building around the vital issue of discreet safety support for those facing domestic abuse. Created by Katy Longhurst and rooted in lived experience, the Ask Joan app continues to spark important conversations, forge new partnerships, and expand its reach across communities.

At the heart of Ask Joan is a simple yet transformative idea: turning ordinary household appliances into silent signals for help. This month, we've made significant strides in raising awareness, engaging with frontline services, and fine tuning the technology to better serve those who need it most, quietly, safely, and powerfully.

In this issue, we’re sharing updates from pilot programs, recognising incredible allies who are championing innovation in safety, and offering a closer look at what’s ahead for Ask Joan.

We were founded on the premise that any victim of domestic abuse may feel comfortable and safe in their homes without the fear of needing to use a big red panic alarm or call the police. Actions which are often inflammatory and can make their situations more dire than before.

Our founder and CEO was given a panic alarm, it was the size of her TV remote, with a hard wired large blue box, and brought attention to her when she needed to use it. Then, without her knowledge, she had her panic alarm disconnected remotely by the police at a time she needed it most. Joan surpasses all these issues in one discreet and easy solution, turning any household electrical appliances into an impromptu panic alarm, when the individual needs it. If done correctly, as advised by the individuals IDVA or the app during setup, then it is invisible, constantly available, will never be remotely disconnected without prior knowledge of the IDVA and the council, and can never be taken away or used against the victim. This is why we believe in Joan.

We are also extremely pleased to announce that our newest site is going live in Breckland County Council! We are so pleased to be able to help the survivors of Breckland, we caught up with some of them after being given the security of Ask Joan: 

“This couldn’t have come at a better time, it is just the thing to help me to have peace of mind, and it is incredible how someone in my position could have come up with this incredible idea that will save lives. I love the idea that I can also teach my young son how to call for help if I was to be taken ill”

Breckland has a population of almost 155,000, an estimated of 6,160 which are victims and survivors of victims that we are so grateful to be able to provide some level of security and help them feel they can live their lives again, “it is just then thing to help me have peace of mind”

“This is just a brilliant idea – as a single mum, I can also show my 5-year-old daughter that she can summon help from her Aunties simply by ‘flicking the kettle’ if she can’t wake mummy up, as well as the peace of mind for me”

“Knowing that when my husband is released from bail, I can call for help without him realising – what a relief! Up until now, it has been my neighbours calling the police when they have heard the raised voices. This is another safety net which makes me feel so much safer at home