‘Circle of 6’ app aims to prevent sexual assault

One of the winning smartphone applications in Apps Against Abuse, a White House challenge to produce an app that could prevent sexual violence, has ties to IU’s Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender and Reproduction.

Kinsey Institute Director Deb Levine helped create the “Circle of 6” app.
Levine, who is also the founder of Internet Sexuality Information Services, said she was excited to create an app that could be used to help prevent sexual assault.

Levine’s app allows smartphone users to select six people from their contact list to be in their circle.

The app user can then send out various texts simultaneously to their circle to alert their friends they are in an uncomfortable situation.

One of the possible texts is programmed to include the user’s current location.           

This makes it easy for people in their circle to pick them up, if necessary.

“The reality is the buddy that you went to the party with might be wasted,” Levine said. “We picked the number six because hopefully at least one of them won’t be busy and will be able to help you.”

Levine said she hopes the “Circle of 6” app will make it easier for college-aged adults to reach out for help when they find themselves in a potentially dangerous situation.

However, she is quick to point out that the app is to be used for preventative measures only.

“This is not designed to be used in life threatening situations,” Levine said. “For those, call campus security or 911. This app is designed to prevent life threatening situations.”

According to Levine’s data, 57 percent of college students have smartphones, and 85 percent of these students say they keep them on at all times.

These numbers suggest the “Circle of 6” app has the potential to become highly utilized on college campuses such as IU.

Katy Flanigan, co-chief of campus outreach for IU Student Association, said she hopes “Circle of 6” will become popular.

“If downloaded by a significant number of students and properly utilized, I think this app can help decrease the amount of dating violence in Bloomington and promote a culture of care,” Flanigan said.

Student Life and Learning staff member Leslie Fasone was among other representatives of the IU community in attendance.

Fasone is also hopeful the app will help students avoid sexual violence.

“This is a great tool that we can educate students on as a direct way that they can intervene and prevent dangerous situations,” Fasone said.

“Circle of 6” can be downloaded for free for iPhone and Android smartphones. For more information, visit circleof6app.com.