The Pittsburgh-based management consulting and technology firm also developed RUSafe app in partnership with the Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh.

Aspirant, a Pittsburgh-based management consulting and technology firm, has developed a free domestic violence (DV) awareness and prevention mobile app, Bright Sky, which is launching in 11 countries and 12 languages. This comes at a critical time for those experiencing domestic violence because of the quarantine and stay-at-home orders due to COVID-19.

Bright Sky, developed in coordination with The Vodaphone Foundation, has launched in Ireland, Czech Republic, and Romania. Work is underway with Italy, Portugal, Albania, South Africa, Hungary, New Zealand, and Luxembourg. Aspirant and Vodafone Foundation are working with The Thames Valley Partnership to adapt the content and technology as well as integrate it with DV and abuse support infrastructure. Bright Sky was previously only available in the UK, where version 2 was released in April 2018 and has been downloaded more than 50,000 times.

The app provides support and information to anyone who may be in an abusive relationship or those concerned about someone they know. The features include:

• A directory of specialist domestic abuse support services with contact details.

• Questionnaires to assess the safety of a relationship, plus a section on dispelling myths around domestic and sexual abuse.

• Links to further resources and information on topics around domestic abuse.

“We’re trying to bring something that Aspirant already does well, which is developing mobile applications, and use this ability to make a positive impact,” said Phil Kossler, who leads Aspirant’s Technology Solutions team, which developed Bright Sky. “We’re proud to work with The Vodaphone Foundation to launch Bright Sky around the world. The new features we’ve developed make the app better positioned to help potential victims of domestic abuse, as well as inform and educate their loved ones.”

Bright Sky is part of Aspirant’s larger Connection of Hope campaign, which was started to help raise awareness of and prevent domestic violence, and heavily involves a local relationship with Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh (WC&S).

Aspirant also developed the RUSafe app for WC&S, launching the initial version in 2014 and the second version in 2018, on WOMEN’S CENTER & SHELTER OF GREATER PITTSBURGH CONNECTION OF HOPE DAY, as proclaimed by the City of Pittsburgh.

“Another great aspect of this work is internal engagement,” said Mike McClaine, President of Aspirant. “Connection of Hope has given our team, regardless if they’re focused on technology, marketing, operations, or one of our other practice areas, something to rally around together.”

In addition to the app development and holding multiple large-scale events to raise awareness of the app and the center’s services, Aspirant created the “Aspire to Your Full Potential Initiative” to provide WC&S with funds to assist women and children gain freedom from abuse through transition-related expenses. The team also held a gift drive and prepared breakfast for WC&S this past holiday season in December.