Can Apps Help Women Avoid Sexual Assault?
SodaHead News
2011/11/04 13:00:00
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Apps can do just about everything these days. They've got apps that tell you exactly how much to tip, apps that interact with toys, apps that tell you how to get in shape... They've even got a Mom App. Now, thanks to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, women have two apps that are supposed to protect them from potentially dangerous situations.
The two apps, called Circle of Six and OnWatch, were selected as the winners of the Apps Against Abuse program. Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services, announced the Apps Against Abuse program in July as a way of encouraging app developers to create apps that could be used to protect women against the threat of assault or rape.
Circle of Six is a simple two-touch app that allows users to quickly and discreetly contact one of six friends in the case of an emergency. One touch selects the friend, while the other selects an appropriate pre-written message, such as "Come and get me. I need help getting home safely." Circle of Six also includes a shortcut to the Love Is Not Abuse helpline, which specializes in teen dating abuse.
The second winning app, OnWatch, is a little more complex. In addition to offering a quick-list of emergency contacts, OnWatch includes a shortcut for 911, campus safety (if the user lives on a college campus), and even a "Panic" button that simultaneously calls 911 and sends messages and GPS locations to all of the user's emergency contacts.
The two apps, called Circle of Six and OnWatch, were selected as the winners of the Apps Against Abuse program. Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services, announced the Apps Against Abuse program in July as a way of encouraging app developers to create apps that could be used to protect women against the threat of assault or rape.
Circle of Six is a simple two-touch app that allows users to quickly and discreetly contact one of six friends in the case of an emergency. One touch selects the friend, while the other selects an appropriate pre-written message, such as "Come and get me. I need help getting home safely." Circle of Six also includes a shortcut to the Love Is Not Abuse helpline, which specializes in teen dating abuse.
The second winning app, OnWatch, is a little more complex. In addition to offering a quick-list of emergency contacts, OnWatch includes a shortcut for 911, campus safety (if the user lives on a college campus), and even a "Panic" button that simultaneously calls 911 and sends messages and GPS locations to all of the user's emergency contacts.
Sound like a good deal? Well, you'll have to wait. The apps will not be officially released until early next year. But they will be free. And in case you're wondering: There were 33 entries in the challenge, and the winners did not receive a prize.
Top Opinion
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sammanilla 2011/11/04 16:26:04
They should have some sort of weapon or have some sort of self defense training.
For that matter, it can help guys keep their friends from getting into trouble.
Or kids, who can alert their friends and resolve issues quickly and safely.
+1
Very funny . . . .
But I've had a woman say "no" to me, and then I backed off.
Later she asked me why I backed off?
I said "Well, you said no"
And she said, "But don't you know that 'no' means 'yes'?" ... and she was serious.
I also fail to see how these apps are any different than just calling or texting someone on the phone to come help you...
My point about him being big and strong is that walking around with him at my side, rather than a phone with an app, will prevent any attacks in the first place. Idiot.
And if I were stupid enough to be walking alone in an area with nobody around to help me, and some dude tried to attack me, I would shoot him in the face, not call my friends.
Sex is one of the best ways to express love to your special someone. It seems as if you have had only one kind of sexual experience and it has soured you on the entire smorgasbord of sex. You have my pity, but you will never have my support
I'd rather not chance getting pegged for a "concealed weapon" by having a pocket knife on me, I don't have the funds for a firearm, so my best bet is a can of mace, and hope to high heavens that plus my own two fists and legs are enough.