Mari Yamaguchi

Associated Press

TOKYO — A smartphone app developed by Japanese police is being widely downloaded by women trying to protect themselves from gropers on packed rush-hour trains.

The "Digi Police" app was originally issued by Tokyo police three years ago, but a function to scare off molesters was only added a few months ago. Since then, the app has reportedly been downloaded hundreds of thousands of times — unusual for a government-developed mobile application.

Women in crowded trains and other public places in Japan often face sexual harassment but are typically too afraid to call out for help.

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With the app, victims can press a "repel groper" icon to produce a message saying "There is a groper here. Please help." With another press, the message turns red and a voice repeatedly says, "Please stop!"

