Family Services, University Of Dayton Research Institute launch mobile app to support victims of crime

Victims of crime in Ohio now have access to an entire community of help in the palm of their hand with AVIATOR, a new mobile app developed by Family Services of Dayton and the University of Dayton Research Institute.

The AVIATOR mobile application allows users to quickly connect with law enforcement, medical services, counselors, justice information, community resources and other professionals and organizations that can provide support to a victim after a crime. AVIATOR – A Victim Information App To Ohio Resources – is free and available to download to Android and iPhones at the Apple and Google Play stores.

“Knowledge is one of the most powerful assets to victims of crime,” said Bonnie Parish, Executive Director of Family Services. “This project allows us to provide additional means to support people who are feeling vulnerable and need assistance, but don’t always know where to find it.”

AVIATOR was developed through a two-year Vision 21 grant awarded by the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Program, U.S. Department of Justice. Jerrolyn Orr-Carstens, Vision 21 Project Coordinator for Family Services, assessed community needs and created a database of statewide resources, and will work to make the public aware of the new technology and how to use it. UDRI researchers developed the app technology.

Parish stressed that victim safety and privacy were at the forefront during development of the technology. “This app provides victims with complete and confidential access to the variety of services available to them after a crime, so they can begin making steps toward recovery and reclaiming their lives,” Parish said.

Joshua Handwerker, software architect in the University of Dayton Research Institute’s Software Systems group, led software development for the Vision 21 project. “UDRI is continually expanding its outreach to the community, so we were pleased to have the opportunity to partner with Family Services to develop technology that will help people in need of support.”

For additional information about Vision 21, go to ovc.ncjrs.gov/vision21.

For more than 120 years, Family Services has been designing programs and delivering services that meet the needs of individuals, families and communities. The University of Dayton Research Institute is a national leader in scientific and engineering research, serving government, industry and nonprofit customers since 1956.

June 1, 2016