Brush of Hope’s Mobile App to Combat Cyberbullying and Online Exploitation

Mumbai, Sep 30

In a major step to fight cyberbullying and online exploitation, Brush of Hope unveiled its mobile application, chatbot, and revamped website on Saturday, September 27, at Hotel Blue Sea, Worli, in collaboration with Maharashtra Cyber Police.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addressed the event through an audio-visual message, calling the initiative a “game changer” for tackling cybercrime. He congratulated Dr. Sheetal Gagrani, Mrs. Minu Deora, Mrs. Rupal Kanakia, Mrs. Gayatri Oberoi, ADGP Yashasvi Yadav and the entire team of Brush of Hope for their commendable efforts.

The event was attended by Maharashtra Cyber’s Additional Director General of Police Yashasvi Yadav (IPS), Mumbai Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Satyanarayan Chaudhary (IPS), actress Sonali Bendre, actor Jackky Bhagnani, and other dignitaries.

“This app will be of great help to victims of cyberbullying and sextortion. It is also an important step towards women’s empowerment,” said Sonali Bendre. ADGP Yashasvi Yadav assured that Maharashtra Cyber would extend full support to Brush of Hope in this initiative.

Founded by Dr. Sheetal Gagrani in memory of her niece Swara, who lost her life due to cyberbullying and sextortion, Brush of Hope works to ensure that no one suffers similar trauma. The organisation offers free services including counselling, legal guidance, awareness workshops, training programmes and public outreach campaigns.

Dr. Gagrani said the app, chatbot and website have been created to help victims come forward without fear and access legal and emotional support free of cost. She credited Maharashtra Cyber Police for their cooperation in making the campaign possible.

Since launching its Helpline) for victims of cyberbullying and online abuse on 7th March 2024, Brush of Hope has made a significant nationwide impact:

These achievements stand as a testament to BoH’s unwavering commitment to building a future where every victim of cyberbullying and online abuse finds a safe voice, a healing hand, and a path toward justice.