Leading Violence Prevention Group Launches National Expansion of ASK APP in Arizona, Connecticut and North Dakota

WASHINGTON, Oct. 21, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Leading DC based sexual assault and advocacy group, Men Can Stop Rape (MCSR), through support from Verizon HopeLine, and in collaboration with the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence, Connecticut Sexual Assault Crisis Services, Inc. and CAWS North Dakota, announced today the launch of ASK AZ, ASK CT and ASK ND (Assault. Services. Knowledge.) personal security and bystander intervention apps.

Recent research shows that whether it is at work, during leisure, on campus, or at home, 1 in 4 women between the ages of 18-35 are victims of sexual violence. The timely national expansion of ASK comes with growing awareness about the need to combat all forms of gender-based violence that's been generated by a recent slew of polarizing media coverage depicting incidences of sexual violence in communities across the country.

"ASK AZ, ASK CT and ASK ND demonstrate a national commitment to providing innovative solutions for preventing and ending sexual and domestic violence. Our partners on this project deliver tremendous leadership in their communities, and this technology will serve as additional capacity building for their commitment to live-saving services. The October launch of these new resources is particularly important, because Domestic Violence Awareness Month is an intentional time for our country to reflect on the role we can all play in supporting loved ones around gender-based violence and bystander intervention," said Rachel Friedman, Deputy Director of MCSR.

The ASK platform initially rolled out in 2012. The second generation of ASK DC launched in July and is now available in eight languages; and the second generation of UASK DC launched in August and coordinates resources at all eight universities in the District of Columbia.

The national expansion of ASK is part of the transformative NO MORE movement, which seeks to normalize the conversation around domestic violence and sexual assault and increase resources to address these urgent issues. The new apps feature real-time responsiveness, including a panic button, GPS location finder and the ability to send emergency and notification messages to selected contacts, as well as user-friendly functionality and critical crisis and reporting resources like geographically specific shelters and rape crisis centers, hospitals, advocates, and more.

ASK AZ, ASK CT and ASK ND are confidential, free and available on iPhone and Android platforms; and they serve as an opportunity to promote bystander intervention and coordinated responses to sexual violence. To learn more please visit: www.askaz.org, www.askct.org and www.asknd.org.

Men Can Stop Rape is a national nonprofit based in Washington, DC. We were established in 1997 and seek to mobilize men to use their strength for creating cultures free from violence, especially men's violence against women and girls. We've directly served over 2 million youth and professionals through our award-winning youth development programs for boys/young men and girls/young women; media messaging that promotes bystander intervention and consent; and training and technical assistance for federal, city, and state government agencies, professionals, and other community stakeholders.

SOURCE Men Can Stop Rape, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.mencanstoprape.org