A new app designed to support survivors of domestic violence has been honoured at a European Investment Bank awards ceremony.

The HeHop app was honoured at the Social Innovation Tournament in Dublin last night.

The app aims to “break the circle of violence” by gathering the legal evidence needed to tackle domestic abuse.

The company hopes it can support survivors by taking photos, audio and video recordings in real-time.

The evidence is automatically uploaded to the blockchain and can't be altered later.

Domestic violence

The company is warning that less than 10% of domestic violence attacks result in a formal complaint – as many survivors fear that they will not be believed without proof.

European Investment Bank Vice President Andrew McDowell said domestic violence is “too often a hidden crime.”

“HeHop, tonight’s winner, has the potential to transform reporting of assault and violence and ensure that victims can be truly heard through a simple solution to a pressing social challenge,” he said.

“All contestants in today’s Social Innovation Tournament have invested their lives and savings in innovative new businesses designed to overcome the world’s most pressing ethical, social and environmental challenges.

“The European Investment Bank is delighted to be able to support these entrepreneurs from across Europe and we wish them every success in the future.”

Social Innovation Tournament

The Social Innovation Tournament aims to reward initiatives working to create societal and environmental impact.

Last night was the first time the event was held in Ireland. It played host to 15 finalists from ten countries.

The Minister for Children Katherine Zappone said social innovation can help ensure that economic growth is “progressive, fair and sustainable.”

“Ireland is the home of social innovators and entrepreneurs,” she said.

“We can see that especially in the last decade or two – where so much of our economic growth has been supported by our social innovators.”

Projects aiming to take part in next year’s tournament can apply from February 2020.