Barcelona startup creates 'peaceful grenade' to fight violence against women

A Barcelona-based startup has created a 'peaceful grenade,' a grenade-shaped alarm device designed to combat gender-based violence.

The device rings at 110 decibels, the legal limit and even louder than a fire alarm. It automatically sends your location to your emergency contacts.

The brand behind the grenade is FlamAid, founded by Julieta Rueff, a young entrepreneur who conceived the idea after experiencing an episode of street harassment.

"During a period, a man followed me. He learned my routine, waited outside my house, at university. I experienced a lot of fear," she told Catalan News.

To protect herself, Julieta carried what are termed active defense mechanisms, such as pepper spray or tactical pens.

"I never used any of them. I realized that in a panic and danger situation, you need a much faster, simpler way to call for help," she said.

Following this experience, she developed the peaceful grenade, which she describes as being "the easiest activation mechanism in the world."

The device clips onto a purse, strap, or even fits in a pocket. By pulling the pin, the alarm rings immediately.

The startup launched the grenade in October and quickly began selling. "Hundreds of FlamAids are on the streets," Julieta said, explaining that many are sold internationally.

The rise in sales of the device aligns with the sentiments of Catalan women: over 70% of them fear walking alone in the streets at night due to concerns about sexual aggression, particularly young women, according to a 2024 poll by CEO, the Catalan-government-owned survey agency.

In fact, last year became the deadliest year for gender-based violence in Catalonia in the last decade, with 20 women killed. However, the vast majority of the perpetrators were the victims' partners, ex-partners, or members of their circle.

Despite this, demand for FlamAid is growing, especially during the Christmas campaign. "It is a gift that many parents give to their children, as well as between friends," Julieta says.

The cost of the device starts from €59.99, but Julieta emphasizes that they try to be "as accessible as possible for those who need it."

Rueff explains that they are open to collaborating with public authorities and willing to provide FlamAids for free to associations that request them.

However, Rueff also acknowledges that FlamAid is not a complete solution. "We know systemic violence will only change through education, but until then, our mission is to make sure everyone gets home safely," she explains.