WASHINGTON — As Tennessee colleges work to prevent sexual assault on campus, they could soon have a new partner: a smart phone application.
The Apps Against Abuse Challenge is a national competition to develop an app that would give young adults the tools to help prevent sexual assault and dating violence.
At least one local university is interested. A Vanderbilt University administrator said she would welcome an application that could help create a safer community.
Interested in submitting your own app?
Submissions to the Apps Against Abuse Challenge should include a title, text description of the submission, a link to the application or prototype, and a list of data sources used. Pictures and videos are optional, but helpful. Webinars will be held in Aug. and Sept. 2011 with domestic violence and sexual abuse prevention experts.
Further details on the can be found at: http://challenge.gov/challenges/199
“I don’t know if we require technology to do that, but if it can assist in this work, then we are open to anything,” said Nora Spencer, the director of the Women’s Center at Vanderbilt.
In 2007, Vanderbilt had 17 reported forcible sexual assaults, but that number dropped to four in 2008 and 2009.
“I think Vanderbilt is no different than any other campus, and this is a very serious issue that is grossly underreported,” Spencer said.
The contest was launched by the Department of Health and Human Services in partnership with the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and Vice President Joe Biden. The winning app will let users designate trusted friends, allies and emergency contacts and allow for real-time check-in. It will provide quick access to local agencies that help victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Discreet design
Judges also are looking for a discreet design that possibly disguises the app’s intent. The winning app may include an anonymous reporting tool for bystanders, a list of signs to watch out for and tips for getting a potential victim away from a situation before an assault occurs.
The National Institute of Justice study from 2007 found that 19 percent of female college students will be sexually assaulted. Survey results released by the Department of Justice in 2007 indicated that number is closer to 26 percent.
The Women’s Center at Vanderbilt works with Project Safe and the Green Dots program. Project Safe offers resources and referrals for victims of power-based personal violence, including bullying, sexual assault and partner violence. Green Dots is a prevention program targeted at empowering bystanders to stop assaults before they happen.
“Truthfully if we’re talking about keeping our community safe, we have to go beyond the stereotype of assaults happening by a stranger in the bushes while someone is walking home late at night,” Spencer explained. “The signs for violence, especially partner violence, are much more subtle.”