Encircle provides research-based care kits containing resources for both the survivors and loved ones affected by sexual assault to assist in navigating resulting life changes.

A dual approach.

The immediate steps after a sexual assault can seem clear: (1) decide whether to report and (2) seek professional help. Once armed with countless hotline phone numbers and a reserved spot on a mental health clinic’s waiting list, the next steps are less clear.

Encircle aims to help ease this confusion by taking a dual approach for the two communities affected by a sexual assault. The first is to help survivors regain a sense of control, and the other is to help loved ones establish themselves as a member of their survivor’s support system.

Creating a brand.

The number one most important quality of the brand to encompass was serenity. Survivors often experienced inner turmoil after their sexual assault, so it was important for Encircle to exude what we hoped they would feel once they started their healing process. This was accomplished through a harmonious color palette, mellow patterns, and an emphasis on clean type.

interviews + control.

Interviews with survivors of sexual assault and a mental health professional revealed that although each survivor of a sexual assault may react differently, there were some similarities. An overwhelming consensus is that whether they were finding themselves unable to sleep or feel safe in public spaces, each of the survivors had a sense of hopelessness brought on by the changes and the seemingly lack of control.

Meal + Isolation

Of the loved ones interviewed, many commented on noticing their survivor isolating themselves and not always knowing what to do in response. While not there is no right answer to this difficult question, a meal prep kit such as the one above would engage with the survivor in a safe environment, while also providing the survivor with a ready-made meal that could ease some of the strain in caring for oneself.