App dials down tensions among warring couples

As domestic violence soars while the lockdown drags on, a new app promises to ease tensions among separating couples.

A new app has been launched to help keep things civil between couples as tensions rise during the lockdown.

Couples struggling with separations during the coronavirus lockdown are being offered free access to a program which blocks aggressive messages.

Toppako co-founder Julie Newman said she and her colleagues decided to offer the program for free during the pandemic.

Domestic violence services and courts have reported a massive spike in problems as the lockdown stalls property settlements and puts more pressure on childcare arrangements.

Ms Newman said Toppako used artificial intelligence to run an “emotional spellchecker” over texts, emails and even emojis.

Once users signed up, the program filtered out aggressive messages and identified more neutral and respectful tones.

“The writer is encouraged to rewrite the message in a positive and respectful way,” she said.

Toppako can be used through desktops and phones so people can use their usual email and MS accounts, protected from abusive and hurtful language.

It has also been adopted by legal firms to help clients deal with the tensions common in separation and divorce.

Toppako co-founder Julie Newman.

Ms Newman said the app allowed people to communicate privately, safely and securely.

Importantly, it could be used by lawyers to help with legal discovery of any form of attempted abuse during proceedings.

“If required by the courts, Toppako can sort emails and messages for lawyers, securely recorded in the cloud,” she said.

O’Reilly Shaw Family Lawyers principal, Erin Shaw, who has clients who use Toppako, said Covid-19 meant respectful dialogue was more than ever.

Many couples were pausing negotiations because of uncertainty about house prices and superannuation funds, creating the potential for added strain.

“It’s an unprecedented time and parents just need to be understanding, flexible and sympathetic,” she said.

We lie awake at night worrying if we release a domestic violence offender: magistrate

Man faces DVO charges after losing wife, job, house

Michael Lynch Family Lawyers associate, Polly Richardson, said her clients also used Toppako and reported that it had helped communication.

“(Clients) describe how constructive, effective and practical the platform is in protecting them from further domestic and family violence during communication following separation,” she said.

Brisbane mother of two Katja (not her real name) started using Toppako after she left her husband and his rage spilled over into electronic communication.

“The hateful, abusive text messages and emails to me and my girls were unproductive,” Katja said.

“I started using Toppako to protect my children, which helped the process immensely.”

For more information visit toppako.com