Uruguay Deploys 'Élida 360' App as Digital Lifeline Against Gender Violence

7 hours ago7 min read5 comments

Uruguay has launched a groundbreaking digital initiative to confront its gender-based violence crisis. The government's new Élida 360 application, released in late October, provides an immediate reporting mechanism for victims under state protection, creating a direct digital channel to authorities when aggressors violate restraining orders or other court-mandated measures.This technological intervention addresses a critical gap in traditional protection systems, where bureaucratic delays and institutional barriers often leave survivors vulnerable during crucial moments. The application's namesake—Élida Pensado Graña, Uruguay's first female police officer—symbolizes a commitment to reforming institutional responses from within the system.This launch comes amid what United Nations officials describe as a 'shadow pandemic' of femicide across Latin America, with Uruguay reporting persistently high rates of violence against women despite having progressive legislation on the books. The app's effectiveness, however, depends on multiple supporting factors: reliable 24/7 police monitoring, widespread smartphone access across economic divides, and sustained government funding.While digital tools alone cannot eradicate the deep-rooted patriarchal norms that fuel gender violence, Élida 360 represents an essential evolution in protective measures—acknowledging that modern safety solutions must be portable, instantaneous, and integrated with broader support services. As other nations grapple with similar crises, Uruguay's digital strategy offers a potential blueprint for using technology to uphold women's fundamental right to security.

#gender-based violence

#Uruguay

#government app

#Élida 360

#restraining orders

#public safety

#lead focus news

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