The App You Should Have

I’ve been meaning to write this post for a few weeks now, but my final semester course work decided that it wasn’t the time. But never fear, I’m still here, with something to share.

There’s a new(ish) app that I think that girls and women everywhere should have access to. It’s called Circleof6. It’s the first app (that I’ve seen anyway) to prevent sexual assault and dating violence. Currently, it’s only available for the iPhone, but I suspect an Android version is in the works.

CircleOf6 doesn’t have a lot of flashy features because it doesn’t need them. This is how the app works:

Each user downloads the app and adds 6 contacts from their address book, creating a Circle of 6 supporters.

CAR ICON: COME AND GET ME. An SMS message will be ready to send that reads: “Come and get me. I need help getting home safely.” It will send a map using GPS to show your circle exactly where you are. PHONE ICON: CALL ME.  SMS message reads, “Call and pretend you need me. I need an interruption.” CHAT ICON: I NEED SOME ADVICE. An SMS message will be ready to send that reads: “I’m looking up information about healthy relationships and respect. Just letting you know.”  There will be links to loveisrespect.organd whereisyourline.org. This keeps your circle informed of what’s on your mind, but doesn’t ask for immediate action.

Simple and discreet. There’s a reason it won a technology award from the White House.

So why do I think it’s a big enough deal to post about? ONE IN FIVE COLLEGE WOMEN ARE SEXUALLY ASSAULTED. That’s 20%, guys. That’s too many. CircleOf6 directly addresses the issue – and I think the app deserves more attention. To be the most effective, it needs to reach all smart-phone-carrying women, not just the ones who read Cosmo.

Ladies: I don’t care if you rarely go to clubs or bars, if you’re in a long-term relationship; download this app. Be prepared. Be safe.

So this is me, doing my part to spread the word about this awesome app. Because I’d like to see violence against women end.