Apps Against Abuse
In July of 2010, Vice President Joe Biden, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, and Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius launched an ‘Apps Against Abuse’ technology challenge – a nationwide competition to develop an innovative software application that provides young adults with tools to help prevent sexual assault and dating violence. Since many incidents of dating violence and sexual assault occur when the offender, often an acquaintance, has targeted and isolated a young woman in vulnerable circumstances, the goal of the application envisioned was to offer individuals a way to connect with trusted friends in real-time to prevent abuse from occurring. Everyone has a role to play in the prevention of violence and abuse and while no one can do everything, everyone can do something. This application is an important step in encouraging young women and men to take an active role in the prevention of dating violence and sexual assault.
In November of 2011, the Vice President announced the winners of the Challenge, "Circle of 6" and "On Watch". You can read more about them in Secretary Sebelius' blog post.
