New app connects women at high risk of domestic violence with police, counsellors
An Adelaide-made app to provide emergency contact to women at risk of violence has already helped 46 people since launch.
A new app which connects victims in violent relationships with emergency help has been used to raise a duress alarm at least 11 times.
Since November the app has been installed on the mobile phones of 46 women deemed to be at medium to high risk of violence by an abusive partner or ex-partner.
They include 18 women who have a total of 20 children in their care.
When a duress alarm is raised police officers are immediately dispatched.
Human Services Minister Michelle Lensink said in one case officers were able to arrest an abuser who was stalking a woman and put in place a court order to curb his behaviour.
The State Government paid $150,000 to an Adelaide-based company to develop the app, which is monitored 24/7 and directly connects users to police and domestic violence support services.
Women must be assessed before they are deemed eligible to have the app installed.
Women’s Safety Services SA executive manager, crisis and integrated responses, Kathrine Cock said no woman who had asked for access had been denied.
She expected more to access the app as awareness grew.
“They feel a lot safer knowing the app is there and they have direct access to police,” she said.
Mother Vanita, who has escaped a violent relationship, said the app would have been invaluable for her and her young daughter while they were in danger because picking up the phone to call police “created a much more dangerous situation”.
“It is a great trigger to the perpetrator when you call in authorities,” she said.
“To have had an app on my phone that was secretive and safe would have been of great benefit.”
For support phone South Australia’s 24-hour Domestic Violence Crisis Line on 1800 800 098.