In the victim assistance world, technology can be a challenge. New technologies can bring new vehicles for control and exploitation... and these days technologies change so quickly it's hard to keep up. Back in June at the Ballston Area Community Allies' Bullying Awareness March, several community leaders were talking with the kids about experiencing bullying when they were young. The kids then asked questions about cyberbullying. Our nascence was solidly established as sometime in the cretaceous period when we expalined that there wasn't cyberbullying when we were young simply because we didn't have personal computers or cell phones.
Technology can be used to stalk, harass, or keep tabs on a victim. But I'm not advocating we all unplug. Technology's flip side is its accessibility; for many victims a cell phone is a reassuring lifeline. That's why DVRC gives hundreds of 911 phones each year to survivors we work with...even if they have a cell phone. Knowing they could get help in a crisis, even if the abuser has damaged their cellphone, is reassuring (so if you've gotten a new phone recently consider donating your old cell phone to DVRC so we can provide that lifeline.)
Recently I posted about Kitestring, an app that can alert friends if you don't make it home safely. Today I read about another potentially life-saving app. Robin McGraw, television personality, NY Times bestselling author and founder of When Georgia Smiled, a charitable foundation to help women and girls, has launched an app that domestic violence victims can use to alert friends that they are in danger and need help. The Aspire News App functions like a regular app providing news stories... but has a special feature that allows domestic violence victims to alert friends if they are in danger.
Relationship abuse often happens in private; technology can help victims stay connected and safe.
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