U.S. Administration Launches “Apps Against Abuse”
August 26, 2011
Kaiser Permanente

"Apps Against Abuse" is a national competition to develop an innovative software application, or “app,” that provides young adults with tools to help prevent sexual assault and dating violence. Vice President Joe Biden, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius launched this technology challenge in July 2011.

“Just as technology is changing the way young people communicate with each other every day, it’s also changing the way young people can protect themselves and their friends from becoming victims of sexual violence,” said Vice President Biden.

Young women aged 16-24 experience the highest rates of rape and sexual assault, while one in five will be a victim of sexual assault during college. Many of these assaults occur when the offender, often an acquaintance, has targeted and isolated a young woman in vulnerable circumstances. Through the “Apps Against Abuse” challenge, developers will be charged with creating an easy-to-use application that provides a targeted way for young women to designate trusted friends, allies, or emergency contacts and provide a means for checking-in with these individuals in real-time, particularly in at-risk situations. The winning application will also provide quick access to resources and information on sexual assault and teen dating violence, as well as where to go for help.

“Everyone has a role to play in the prevention of violence and abuse,” said HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. “This application can be another way to encourage young women and men to take an active role in the prevention of dating violence and sexual assault.”

Additional information and submission guidelines are available at the Challenge.gov Website. The winner of the challenge will be announced on October 31, 2011.