Domestic violence victim-survivors at risk as funds dry up for FriendSafe safety watches

DV victim-survivors are at risk and being forced on to waiting lists as funds dry up for a device that could save lives. See how it works and how you can help.

Exclusive: A domestic violence charity providing fully-funded electronic safety watches has run out of funds for the program, leaving victim-survivors at risk.

Last month, Friends with Dignity handed out its last remaining FriendSafe device. The safety watches are funded through corporate and public donations and fundraising – but the money has run out.

“We have people reaching out for help and support and we simply don’t have the funds to help those that need it most,” said Friends with Dignity’s FriendSafe National Campaign Manager, Melissa van der Burgt.

Leveraging mobile phone technology, the FriendSafe devices work by embedding a DV victim-survivor’s personal safety plan into a smart watch, enabling them to get help at the push of a button without the need for a phone.

The national Friendsafe Program has run out of funding. Picture: Supplied

“Picking up a phone to call for help can often put you in more danger, and perpetrators often target phones, removing any way to get help,” said Ms van der Burgt.

Holding the button for three seconds opens a line of communication to a 24/7 monitoring centre, that can then listen to unfolding events and take required action, such as calling emergency services and passing on relevant information, including standing domestic violence orders (DVOs), past DVO breaches, weapon use, and whether children are likely to be on site.

The monitoring centre also receives the watch-owner’s GPS location.

Melissa van der Burgt - National Friendsafe Program Manager, Friends with Dignity. Picture: Sharleen Christie/Supplied

DV victim-survivor Dianne* received one of the safety watches after escaping her perpetrator, who’d subjected her to eight months of horrific domestic abuse.

During her ordeal, the 35-year-old endured physical, sexual, emotional, financial, and social abuse. She felt trapped, a prisoner in her own home.

“I never felt safe leaving home,” she said.

Manuela Whitford - CEO /Founder Friends with Dignity, discusses the FriendSafe Program. Picture: Supplied

“My mental health deteriorated. I was always on edge, any knock on the door terrified me.”

With police assistance, Dianne finally escaped, but she still feared for her life. After turning to domestic violence support services, she was referred to the Friends with Dignity FriendSafe program.

“I feel safer to be able to leave the home,” she said. “If anything happens, I can just ping it.”

Dianne hasn’t had to press the button, but other victim-survivors have.

FriendSafe receives up to 25 applications every month. Picture: supplied

“She was being attacked by her perpetrator and as usual he had removed her mobile phone so that she could not call for help,” said Ms van der Burgt.

“After this incident, her confidence increased and she was able to participate in simple life activities, such as picking her son up from school, knowing help was just a push of the button away.”

FriendSafe receives up to 25 applications every month. Those numbers are increasing, along with the waiting list.

Friends with Dignity has given out its last safety watch. Picture: iStock

Mallee Domestic Violence Services Counsellor Advocate Annitta Thomspon was Dianne’s referring case worker. She said FriendSafe devices were an important part of the safety plan for at-risk domestic violence victim-survivors.

“(The watches) assist clients to have an extra point of contact for triple-0 should they not be able to use their mobile device, and for police to be able to locate (them).”

Research shows leaving a domestic abuser is the riskiest time for victim-survivors.

“This is when emotions run high, and perpetrators are starting to lose control of their ‘victim’,” said Ms van der Burgt.

“This device can help ease some fear.”

Each FriendSafe watch costs $1200, which includes the device plus 12 months of 24/7 security.

To help, go here

*name has been changed.

Originally published as Domestic violence victim-survivors at risk as funds dry up for FriendSafe safety watches