Victims of domestic abuse can now seek help at the touch of a button using a new mobile phone app.

The Bright Sky app enables users to securely log photos and videos of their mistreatment, which could be used as evidence, and to locate the closest point of support at any given time.

The app, which is available on iPhones and Android devices, also alerts users to the warning signs of domestic abuse so they can identify whether they or a loved one are at risk.

It was developed by the charity Hestia, which describes itself as London's largest provider of domestic abuse refuge services, in conjunction with Newton Enterprise Consulting.

'I believe it will help thousands of women'

Judith (not her real name), who lived in one of the charity's shelters for 10 months, believes the app could potentially help thousands of women like her break free from the tyranny of abusive relationships.

"At the end, I thought about leaving my partner constantly. However, I felt embarrassed and did not know what to do," she said.

"This app could have privately supported me to understand that I needed help and given me a local resource. I believe it will help thousands of women."

The Bright Sky app includes a questionnaire designed to help users identify if they are at risk of domestic abuse

The app's journal enable users to make entries using text, photos, videos or audio recordings, which are sent to their chosen secure email address.

They can also take a relationship health check by answering a series of simple questions to determine whether they are being abused and if so what to do.

And by entering their postcode or using GPS, they can bring up details of nearby advocacy services where they can seek help.

'A lifeline to men and women across the UK'

Although the name and logo hint at the happier future the app is aimed at securing, they were purposely chosen to look like a weather app so as not to alert suspicions.

Hestia's CEO Patrick Ryan said: "This app is a huge step forward to bringing about much needed assistance to those who have experienced the trauma of an abusive relationship...

"We are grateful to Newton Enterprise Consulting for helping us to develop what is in essence a lifeline to hundreds of women and men across the UK."

The app's launch is part of Hestia's UK Says No More campaign to dispel common myths and encourage everyone to take action to end domestic violence and sexual assault.