Melbourne has always been known for its vibrant culture, diverse communities, and sense of belonging. But like every city, it has faced moments that remind us how vulnerable people can be — especially those already navigating hardship.
One such moment took place in 2013, when a teenage girl experiencing homelessness
was allegedly lured away and assaulted in Brunswick. It was a crime that deeply shook the community, raising urgent questions about safety, vulnerability, and how quickly a situation can turn dangerous. Police publicly appealed for witnesses, worked tirelessly to identify those involved, and eventually arrested five teenagers connected to the case.
It was a long time ago — before safety technology was something we all carried in our pockets, before tools existed that could instantly connect someone in danger to the people they trust most.
And that’s where this story resonates deeply with Leelou. 
A Different Time. Fewer Options. Less Protection.
Back in 2013:
- Smartphones were less advanced.
- Personal safety apps were rare or non-existent.
- Vulnerable people often had no immediate way to alert someone they trusted.
- A person facing danger had to rely on instinct, luck, or being heard in time.
Today, the world has changed — not because danger has disappeared, but because technology now gives us another layer of protection we didn’t have then.
This is exactly why Leelou was created.
If Leelou Had Existed Then…
We can never rewrite history, and we can never fully prevent the intentions of harmful people.
But we can imagine how different things might have been if tools like Leelou had existed:
✔ A tap of the SOS button could have sent her live location to trusted Guardians.
✔ Audio recording could have captured context the moment she felt unsafe.
✔ An alert within 15 seconds could have allowed someone she trusted to act fast.
✔ A silent override mode could have reached out for help even if she couldn’t speak.
✔ A guardian network — friends, family, support workers — could have been on the way.
Leelou doesn’t replace police, crisis services, or frontline responders.
But it gives every person — especially the vulnerable — something powerful:
A way to call for help the moment danger presents itself.
Why Stories Like This Still Matter Today
Even though this incident happened years ago, the lesson remains the same:
Safety is not guaranteed.
Vulnerability can happen to anyone.
Support should never be out of reach.
And no one should feel alone when they are at risk.
This is why Leelou exists — not as a replacement for community support, but as a tool to strengthen it, empower it, and make it accessible in the moments that matter most.
Building a Safer Future, One Guardian at a Time
Every person deserves to feel safe when walking home, travelling alone, meeting new people, or navigating uncertain situations.
Leelou was built so that no one, anywhere in the world, has to face fear without fast support close by.
Technology alone can’t prevent every tragedy — but it can change outcomes, create faster responses, and give people control where they once had none.
If apps like Leelou had existed back then, perhaps outcomes would have been different.
Today, Leelou stands committed to ensuring that in the future, they can be.
Your Safety Matters — And So Do the People Who Look Out for You
Take a moment today to:
🔸 Set up your Guardians
🔸 Add the Leelou shortcut to your home screen
🔸 Talk to someone you love about staying safe
Because safety becomes stronger when we build it together.
And no one should ever feel alone when they need help the most.