English-friendly app shines a light on Czech law for victims of domestic violence

An app designed to help and protect victims of domestic violence has announced an update that will help them understand Czech law about the crime.

Bright Sky, launched in 2020, offers support and information to anyone who is in an abusive relationship – or knows someone who may be in one. It is available in both Czech and English. 

According to government human rights commissioner Klára Šimáčková Laurenčíková, people can effectively ask for legal protection only if they know the actual Czech law concerning domestic violence.

The app, therefore, lists which behaviors are illegal, and what can be done to bring perpetrators to justice. It also advises people on how to leave abusive partners and the best methods to do so. 

There is currently no legal definition of domestic violence in Czech law, which for many is problematic. Laurenčíková aims to change this in the near future through a bill that's currently being drafted.

During Czechia’s lockdown, the app trained delivery workers to spot the signs of people in an abusive relationship. 

The app is supported by the Czech government, non-governmental organizations, and the Vodafone Foundation.

Over 9,000 people have downloaded the free-to-use app. In 2022 alone, users discreetly saved 453 texts, photos, or videos showing domestic violence in their app diaries. The Bright Sky app is used by almost 300 people a day and over 400 people have contacted the police through it over the past year.

The app's new feature aims to help bring violent partners to account, and save thousands from physical and mental pain.