A new application geared towards protecting people from domestic abuse called RUSafe will be available nationally Nov. 1 for both iPhone and Android users.

It was first launched in Nov. 2013 to the Pittsburgh area, and now a year later, users all around the country will have access to it.

RUSafe was developed by the Women’s Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh and Newton Consulting.

RUSafe is an app designed to help its user recognize whether or not they are in a dangerous or potentially dangerous relationship. Through a series of questions, the app is able to identify the level of danger the user is in within their relationship.

Depending on the danger level, the app will provide a local hotline or shelter for the user to contact using GPS technology to tailor that information based on the user’s location.

Additionally, RUSafe takes into account the possibility that the relationship could already be at a dangerous level, and warns the user about letting their partner see the app as to not make the situation worse.

Not only is this app promoted by the local women’s shelter of Pittsburgh, but cornerback William Gay of the Pittsburgh Steelers is has also become the official spokesman for RUSafe.

This is a welcome change as recent cases of domestic violence have been given more attention in the media due to incidents involving the Baltimore Raven’s Ray Rice.

Gay has been a large advocate for domestic violence victims in recent years, and has expressed his admiration for the NFL for taking a harsher stance with recent cases. In an article by CBS Pittsburgh, it is explained that Gay has a personal connection to the issue of domestic violence. His mother was a victim of such violence, and was killed by his father when Gay was a child.

“She didn’t have a chance or someone to help her or a hotline to call,” Gay said in the article.

RUSafe appeals to sophomore Marisa Pedron who herself has tried the app.

“I liked how the app asked right when you opened it if you were in any danger,” Pedron said. “Then at the end told you to report back if anything changes.”

With the creation of this app, it gives victims another place to turn to for help. RUSafe helps to assess the situation and give information on the necessary actions that should follow, especially if a victim feels they cannot confront the situation or tell anyone close to them about it.

According to a report by CBS Pittsburgh, the app has been used over 1,000 times and has helped over 20 victims in the Pittsburgh area.

As RUSafe begins to spread nationally, it is helping to promote more awareness of domestic violence. Although the app puts emphasis on victims of domestic violence, RUSafe can also inspire others who know of victims, or potential victims, to step up. It allows any bystanders of domestic violence to give a piece of control to the victim to choose to accept or deny.

“While I was taking it, the questions made me think of some of my friend’s relationships and how they may be experiencing some of the things that were asked,” said Pedron. “Maybe if they answer the questions on the app, they can realize that their relationship might not be as healthy as they thought it was.”

For more information you can go to wcspittsburgh.org/RUSafe.