The Michal Sela SAFE@HOME Hackathon strives to end domestic violence
The Hackathon took place over three days and included over 1,000 coders. The winning project is “Safebutton”, a concealed panic button that can be incorporated into everyday items. President Rivlin, who hosted the finals: “Violence against women isn’t a problem concerning only women, but Israeli society as a whole”
Mandi Kogosowski
| 26/05/2021
Photo: Mark Nayman, GPO
Israeli President Reuven (Ruvi) Rivlin hosted the final of the Michal Sela Safe@Home Hackathon last night (Tuesday) at his official residence. The hackathon, run by the Michal Sela Forum and Google is the one and only tech event of its kind in Israel aimed at saving lives and preventing violence against women. This is the second year this event is held in honor of Michal – who was brutally murdered at home by her domestic partner and father of her child in October 2019, at the age of 32.
“Violence against women isn’t a problem concerning only women, but Israeli society as a whole”, said President Rivlin. “It is a problem that requires action on the national level: through legislation and enforcement, education and information, welfare and treatment. I promise to continue standing with you in the future, shouting ‘no more violence against women’ with you, and taking action.”
The hackathon ran for three days on Simul Interactive’s Virtualmagix platform for hybrid-virtual events. Over 1,000 coders participated, along with experts in domestic violence from the judicial and law enforcement systems. Together, they built life-saving tech products for women in abusive environments and others at risk.
The winner of the first prize, Safebutton–chosen from eight projects chosen for the final round—is aimed at women in threatening environments. It is a concealed panic button that can be incorporated into everyday items such as jewelry, and does not require cellular reception.
The Hackathon’s judging panel was headed by Chair of the Michal Sela Forum, Michal’s sister Lily Ben Ami, and included Director-General of the President’s Residence, Harel Tubi; CEO of Google Israel Barak Regev; CEO of Facebook Israel Adi Sofer Teeni; Dean of the School of Social Work at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Prof. Mona Khoury-Kassabri, and other tech and industry leaders.
“For many women, like Michal, this development sadly comes too late. But for many other women, for whom home is still hell, who live in constant fear and under genuine threat of their lives, for them this could change their lives, change their fates and, most importantly, save lives,” said President Rivlin.
The Michal Sela Forum promotes the development of technological initiatives, national educational programs and proactive public-awareness campaigns in order to prevent domestic violence and save the next murder victim. It represents an innovative, creative discourse of prevention and solidarity, with extensive collaborations between Israel’s private and public sector. Until now, the Forum has launched 10 projects that help fight domestic violence against women. The Forum is a non-profit and relies on donations for its activity.
According to Israeli police data, each year approximately 20 women are murdered across the country due to domestic violence. Between 2018–2020 (early November), 69 such murders were recorded. In 24 cases (35%), suspicion fell on the domestic partner. The Michal Sela Forum’s goal: 0 victims. May all of their memories be a revolution.
Michal Sela Z.L. Photo taken from the Michal Sela Forum website
The Hackathon took place over three days and included over 1,000 coders. The winning project is “Safebutton”, a concealed panic button that can be incorporated into everyday items. President Rivlin, who hosted the finals: “Violence against women isn’t a problem concerning only women, but Israeli society as a whole”
Photo: Mark Nayman, GPO
Israeli President Reuven (Ruvi) Rivlin hosted the final of the Michal Sela Safe@Home Hackathon last night (Tuesday) at his official residence. The hackathon, run by the Michal Sela Forum and Google is the one and only tech event of its kind in Israel aimed at saving lives and preventing violence against women. This is the second year this event is held in honor of Michal – who was brutally murdered at home by her domestic partner and father of her child in October 2019, at the age of 32.
“Violence against women isn’t a problem concerning only women, but Israeli society as a whole”, said President Rivlin. “It is a problem that requires action on the national level: through legislation and enforcement, education and information, welfare and treatment. I promise to continue standing with you in the future, shouting ‘no more violence against women’ with you, and taking action.”
The hackathon ran for three days on Simul Interactive’s Virtualmagix platform for hybrid-virtual events. Over 1,000 coders participated, along with experts in domestic violence from the judicial and law enforcement systems. Together, they built life-saving tech products for women in abusive environments and others at risk.
The winner of the first prize, Safebutton–chosen from eight projects chosen for the final round—is aimed at women in threatening environments. It is a concealed panic button that can be incorporated into everyday items such as jewelry, and does not require cellular reception.
The Hackathon’s judging panel was headed by Chair of the Michal Sela Forum, Michal’s sister Lily Ben Ami, and included Director-General of the President’s Residence, Harel Tubi; CEO of Google Israel Barak Regev; CEO of Facebook Israel Adi Sofer Teeni; Dean of the School of Social Work at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Prof. Mona Khoury-Kassabri, and other tech and industry leaders.
“For many women, like Michal, this development sadly comes too late. But for many other women, for whom home is still hell, who live in constant fear and under genuine threat of their lives, for them this could change their lives, change their fates and, most importantly, save lives,” said President Rivlin.
The Michal Sela Forum promotes the development of technological initiatives, national educational programs and proactive public-awareness campaigns in order to prevent domestic violence and save the next murder victim. It represents an innovative, creative discourse of prevention and solidarity, with extensive collaborations between Israel’s private and public sector. Until now, the Forum has launched 10 projects that help fight domestic violence against women. The Forum is a non-profit and relies on donations for its activity.
According to Israeli police data, each year approximately 20 women are murdered across the country due to domestic violence. Between 2018–2020 (early November), 69 such murders were recorded. In 24 cases (35%), suspicion fell on the domestic partner. The Michal Sela Forum’s goal: 0 victims. May all of their memories be a revolution.
Michal Sela Z.L. Photo taken from the Michal Sela Forum website
