isawRISK App
isawRISK is a quick online self-assessment tool that helps users get a sense of their risk level related to intimate partner violence and abuse. Available in many different languages, it provides information about local support services that could assist someone with their next steps.
Our Purpose
Identifying risk and having access to accurate, relevant information about available services is essential for women to make informed choices about their safety. isawRISK is designed to empower users in their decision-making by providing clear, accessible information that enhances their understanding of what they may be experiencing. Through guided self-assessment, individuals can better evaluate their personal situation and consider appropriate next steps based on their own needs and circumstances.
Research has shown that, like many survivors of abuse, immigrant women often underestimate their risk of re-assault or serious harm, including lethality or near-lethality (Campbell, 2004; Heckert & Gondolf, 2000; Messing et al., 2013). This highlights the critical need for culturally responsive and accessible tools that support awareness and safety planning.
It is important to note that isawRISK is not intended to replace professional risk assessments offered by victim services or community-based organisations. Rather, it serves as a complementary resource—an early intervention tool that helps individuals recognise patterns of risk and consider when to reach out for additional support or services.
Background
Research shows that nearly 50% of women who were victims of intimate partner homicide had underestimated the risk to their lives (Campbell, 2004). Many women facing violence and abuse in intimate relationships are unaware of the level of danger they are in. This underestimation of personal risk, combined with limited knowledge of available support services, can result in individuals remaining in unsafe situations, which may ultimately lead to serious harm or even loss of life.
Immigrant women, in particular, are significantly less likely to disclose experiences of violence to healthcare or justice system professionals. Despite this, many do access healthcare services to address the physical, psychological, and emotional injuries sustained from abuse. For these women, reaching out to law enforcement is often considered a last resort, highlighting systemic barriers and a lack of culturally responsive support systems.
These realities underscore the urgent need for accessible, self-directed tools that can help women identify risks early, understand their options, and make informed decisions about seeking safety and support.
Our Team
Dr. Harjit Kaur, PhD, MA (Psychology)
Co-Founder & CEO, isawSAFETY Inc.
Dr. Harjit Kaur has over 20 years of experience in the anti-violence sector, supporting women with lived experience through her work at various violence prevention organisations across British Columbia, Canada. Her career spans a wide spectrum of roles, including frontline service provision, research, project management, training, intersectoral coordination, and both national and international policy consultation.
In addition to her extensive grassroots involvement, Dr. Kaur holds a PhD and an MA in Counselling Psychology and is a Registered Clinical Counsellor. Her professional work includes providing trauma-informed counselling and crisis support, as well as leading programs and projects aimed at systemic change in the response to gender-based violence.
Fluent in English, Punjabi, and Malay, Dr. Kaur brings a culturally responsive lens to her work. Her deep understanding of the barriers faced by immigrant and racialised women in accessing services inspired her to co-create the isawRISK self-assessment tool—an innovative platform designed to empower women to identify risks and seek help in their own language and cultural context.
Dr. Manjeet Singh Usma, PhD, MSc. (IT), BEng.(Mechanical)
Co-Founder & CTO, isawSAFETY Inc.
Dr. Manjeet is an applied researcher and technologist with over 25 years of experience in the design and development of technology-enhanced systems to support vulnerable and underserved communities. He leads the technology innovation platform at isawRISK, where he focuses on developing accessible digital tools that help individuals identify personal risk and connect with help-seeking services.
His background spans a wide range of domains, including user-centred analytics, software engineering, project leadership, and IT consulting. He has collaborated with non-profits, academic institutions, and industry partners to create technology solutions that are evidence-based and user-focused. He has also contributed to initiatives supporting survivors of domestic violence through innovative mobile and web-based applications and has presented his work at national forums such as the Stop Domestic Violence conference series in Australia.
Dr. Manjeet holds a PhD and MSc (Research) in Information Technology from Deakin University (Australia) and a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) from Nanyang Technological University (Singapore), with specialisations in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and Human Factors (HF) Engineering. Fluent in six Asian languages, he brings a cross-cultural and inclusive perspective to digital innovation in public health and social service delivery.
Acknowledgement
The isawRISK project builds on the numerous hours of dedicated work that has been done by everyone making a difference to end violence against women in intimate relationships and create change and safety for women and children, families and individuals. We honour their work.
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Campbell, J. C. (2004). Helping women understand their risk in situations of intimate partner violence. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 19(12), 1464–1477. https://doi.org/10.1177/0886260504269698
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Heckert, D. A., & Gondolf, E. W. (2000). Predicting reassault among batterer program participants. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 15(1), 87–98. https://doi.org/10.1177/088626000015001006
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Messing, J. T., Campbell, J., Brown, S., Patchell, B., & Wilson, J. S. (2013). The Lethality Screen: The predictive validity of an intimate partner violence risk assessment for use by first responders. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 30(4), 637–660. https://doi.org/10.1177/0886260513511702
