Preventing Violence: There's an App for That

Following all of the new technology trends can be a daunting task. I remember when I got my first iPhone. I spent hours sorting through the apps trying to find the magic one that would make my life easier, more efficient, and less confusing. I can report that my life is the same, except I am on my third iPhone and I need an app to help me organize all of my other apps!

I have not learned my lesson. I continue to browse through the endless selection of apps like a miner looking for rare gems. There are some good ones out there, and I recently found one that has the potential to save a life.

The app is called Aspire News, and it is designed to look like a news reader, but can be utilized as a tool for individuals who are involved in abusive or dangerous social situations to alert others (or the authorities) of an emergency. The ignition of the app's "go button" also starts a recording to capture the details of the domestic violence encounter or other dangerous events underway. Aspire News is designed to appear like any other smart phone app to the untrained eye, allowing it to be downloaded and used in secret.

This unique app has been introduced by Robin McGraw via her foundation, When Georgia Smiled. She has created The Aspire Initiative, a domestic violence program which aims to reduce the level of intimate relationship violence in the US and instill the importance of bystander responsibility. The app is available for free download on both Android and iPhone devices. Just search for Aspire News in your phone's app index.

We also have our own Domestic Violence and Anger Managment program available at Open Paths Counseling Center. Our program is called Another Way and provides affordable therapy to people whose lives have been affected by violence, whether their own or other people’s.

The program helps to reduce partner abuse and sexual assault by directly addressing the cause of violence through 52-week domestic violence perpetrator and anger management groups, individual and family counseling. Don't wait to get help, call (310) 691-4455 to schedule and intake appointment.

Blog contributor Niki Moore is a BBS registered Intern #IMF 68104 being Supervised at Open Paths Counseling Center by LMFT Kristen Faris MFC 42665. Open Paths offers services on a sliding-scale basis depending on your net income.  The mission is to provide affordable, accessible treatment to the community in English and Spanish.  If you are dealing with issues that might be helped through talk therapy go to http://openpaths.org.