A Challenge to Produce the Best App to Combat Sexual Violence

According to government statistics, one in five women are the victims of sexual assault while in college. A large majority of these campus assaults go unreported.

The Department of Health and Human Services, in conjunction with the White House Office of Science and Technology and Vice President Joe Biden, has announced the formation of the “Apps Against Abuse” technology challenge. The competition is seeking the best software application to provide young adults with the most effective tool to help prevent sexual assault and dating violence. The winning app will provide 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.”

Entries must be submitted by October 17. More information on the contest can be found here.