SafePearl

A Safe Space for Survivors of Harassment
ChatBot Integration
Google Maps based on user location
Google Places API

Inspiration

Harassment is a deeply pervasive issue that leaves victims feeling helpless, unheard, and afraid to seek support. Many people hesitate to speak up due to fear, stigma, or not knowing where to turn for help. In a world where survivors often feel isolated, SafePearl provides a private, anonymous, and judgment-free space where they can share their experiences, receive empathetic AI-generated guidance, and find real-world support, all while ensuring complete privacy.

What it does

Anonymous Experience Sharing: Users can either type or record their experience without fear of judgment. The recording option is included because many victims find it easier to speak rather than type when recalling traumatic events.
AI-Powered Support: OpenAI provides empathetic, structured, and actionable guidance in four key areas: acknowledgment, encouragement, coping strategies, and next steps. Unlike generic AI tools, SafePearl is specifically tuned to help victims understand what happened to them, assure them they are not to blame, and encourage them to speak up rather than remain silent.
Real-Time Resource Finder: SafePearl detects the user's location (with permission) and displays nearby harassment support centers using Google Maps API, ensuring users can take real-world action beyond digital advice.
Interactive Map: Users can view support organizations pinned on a map for easy access, eliminating the hassle of searching for help themselves.
Privacy-First Approach: No data is stored, ensuring a completely safe and secure experience for users who may fear retaliation or exposure.

How we built it

React.js for a smooth and interactive user experience.
OpenAI API to generate compassionate, structured responses tailored to survivors of harassment.
Google Maps Places API to find nearby harassment support centers.
Google Maps API to display an interactive map with pinned organizations.
React Hooks, HTML, CSS, JavaScript to bring all components together into a functional prototype.

Challenges we ran into

Building a platform for such a sensitive and urgent issue came with challenges:

Fine-Tuning AI for Empathy: Ensuring OpenAI responses were structured, trauma-informed, and genuinely helpful rather than generic or clinical.
Google Maps API Limitations: Filtering relevant support organizations dynamically based on location was complex.
Client-Side Performance Issues: Handling map rendering and API calls while maintaining a smooth user experience.
Time Constraints: Creating a meaningful, fully functional prototype in just 24 hours required intense focus, teamwork, and quick decision-making.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

Built an end-to-end working prototype in just 24 hours!
Successfully integrated OpenAI to generate empathetic, structured responses.
Implemented real-time location tracking to provide **actionable, localized support.
Designed a privacy-focused platform that ensures complete anonymity for users.
Collaborated effectively as a team, overcoming challenges and delivering a meaningful solution.

What we learned

The importance of AI ethics in handling sensitive topics. We learned how to refine AI-generated responses to ensure they were helpful, not harmful to survivors.
How to optimize Google Maps API for real-world use cases. We tackled filtering issues and refined how location-based resources were displayed.
Balancing technical complexity with user experience. A project like this demands both functionality and accessibility to truly help those in need.
The power of working as a team under pressure. Building something impactful in 24 hours required clear communication, quick problem-solving, and adaptability.

What's next for SafePearl

Multilingual Support: Expanding the platform to help survivors worldwide.
Enhanced Location Filtering: Improving the accuracy and credibility of support center recommendations.
Partnerships with NGOs and Crisis Centers: Collaborating with organizations to provide verified, trusted resources.

Harassment is real. The impact is deep. But no one has to go through it alone.
SafePearl is here to listen, support, and guide.