GLOSS

an idea for DV

Problem: 1 in 3 women have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner. Although there have been many attempts to provide secret emergency services to victims to help them escape, the truth is that victims are not always ready or wanting to leave their abuser. This can be due to fear, issues with self-esteem and perception of self-worth, or love for the abuser. These motives typically are also the result of an abusive relationship.

Solution: Secretly introduce Gloss, an app by Glossier that is designed to provide victims of violence with empowerment and emergency help by using facial recognition technology to ensure that they’re the only ones who can see the app’s true features.  The features include help in different forms that allows a victim to choose how they want to work back to safety. The app also includes access to Heal, the first-ever makeup line created for victims to heal and cover signs of abuse. 

Glossier, a women-owned makeup and skincare company, will release the “Gloss” app. This app is designed to look like a normal makeup/shopping app, and can be used to its full potential on phones that have facial recognition technology.

Upon opening the app for the first time, the user will be asked to do a face scan.

The homepage, as well as the entire app, has a simple, accessible design and will function as help for victims when their face is detected while using the phone. Whenever the victim’s face is not present, the app will change to a safe mode that disguises it as a normal makeup shopping app by Glossier.

The first function of the app is “Heal”. This is where victims can find or order the Heal by Glossier makeup line created special for them.

The makeup line can be found at women’s shelters or ordered online through the app. If purchased online, a normal Glossier package will be sent to the victim.

Heal products are full coverage and contain natural healing ingredients such as Arnica, Vitamin K, and Vitamin C. These ingredients promote healing for wounds, blood clotting, and inflammation/swelling.

The Help feature on the app provides the victim with different forms of help. These include:

• Immediate - Sends location to police, informs them that they are in danger of violence.

• Call - Starts a call with the National Domestic Hotline

• Notify - Sends a message to a chosen family member or friend and informs them that the person is in, or has been, in danger of violence. Information will be provided to chosen person on what they can do, and what not to do in the situation.

The Chat feature gives victims the option to speak with a licensed counselor and survivor. Within the chat, they will be able to open up about their situation in private and receive the help that can guide them in the right direction to changing their situation whether it takes learning about their worth, being given steps on how to leave their abuser safely, or advice on how to inform family members/friends.

How will victims find Gloss?

This method of spreading awareness of the app can ensure women find out about the app in secret and can set up the app before leaving the privacy of the bathroom.