Secret DV diary can be used to outwit abusers

Women and men with an abusive partner can discreetly ­record evidence thanks to a new secret app on their mobile phone designed by two Sydney cops.

Exclusive: Women and men with an abusive partner can discreetly ­record evidence thanks to a secret app on their mobile phone.

The brainchild of two Sydney cops, it is a potential godsend for victims of domestic and family violence who may not be ready to go to authorities, allowing them to create a log of ongoing abuse that can one day be used as evidence in court.

Hayley Wormleaton, who witnessed her nan and young cousin murdered by her uncle, said if the app was around when she was a teen, her life may have been different.

“It would be handy to have, especially when you’re not feeling very comfortable to come forward in the present moment,” Hayley said.

“A lot of people can’t because of the circumstances they are in. I knew a few people that have gone through domestic violence in the last year or so and the matter has been thrown out of court because evidence is not sufficient.

Sergeant Sameh Morgan and Sergeant Lisa Clemence devised a “secret diary” in which DV victims can gather evidence and photos in their phone without it leaving a trace. Picture: Julian Andrews

“With the app they can document things, they don’t have to worry about anything found in their phone because that could spark another domestic violence incident.”

The concept of the app was presented by the Blacktown DVLO Team to senior officers as part of the Domestic and Family Violence Reform Project, which was established last year to change the way police respond to and prevent domestic violence.

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said: “When we established the Reform Project, a call was put out to all staff to submit their ideas in terms of improving the victim experience and I couldn’t be prouder seeing this concept from the team at Blacktown come to life”.

“We believe this app has the potential to save lives.”

What the app looks like.

Victims can record details of incidents without it leaving a trace on their phones.

Domestic and Family Violence Portfolio Owner, Assistant Commissioner Stuart Smith said the app would do just what it’s name suggested – empower victims of abuse.

“It has in-built features to keep it private on any mobile, including passcodes and quick lock, and has a modest-looking icon that’s designed not to alert perpetrators,” he said.

“The diary feature allows a victim to collect their thoughts – including photos of injuries and property damage and screenshots of emails or messages – and document an incident when it happens, no matter how minor or whether they report it to police at that time.

“This is especially important in terms of coercive control, where we know a victim often feels helpless, so with Empower You, the abuse is clearly demonstrated, and the power comes back to the victim.”

Domestic Violence NSW’s Bridget Mottram said: “This app is an additional resource for victim-survivors who wish to report to police, that may support and streamline the process.

“As the peak organisation representing domestic and family violence services, we look forward to our ongoing collaboration with police on ­reforms and improvements.”

As cops, we knew we had to help

As a domestic violence police officer, Sergeant Lisa Clemence knows how difficult it can be for victims to come forward.

“Research shows it takes 25 instances of domestic violence before they are ready to report to police,” she said.

Acutely aware of how hard a domestic violence case can be to prosecute, Sgt Clemence got to thinking about designing a resource where victims could store their thoughts and experiences and keep a record of verbal and physical abuse, should they work up the courage to call for help.

She sought the help of a colleague who she knew was into creating apps as a hobby.

Sergeant Sammy Morgan, also stationed at Blacktown, came up with an encrypted app – a secret phone diary and resource service that was user-friendly and safe.

DV victim Hayley Wormleaton says her life may have been different if the app was around when she was a teen. Picture: Julian Andrews

Not only can users store their evidence safely, they can press a button and it can be sent to a trusted friend, or the police.

They also have access to support services in their area and can have their location tracked instantly. They can also set up a code to text if they need help and allocate a trusted friend to receive the text and any other proof of abuse instantly.

The prototype for the app was then further developed by technical experts from the Force’s Technology Command to ensure the functionalities comply with legislation, which allows the data to be presented at court as evidence.

The app has since undergone rigorous testing, which included intensive consultation with experts in dealing with domestic and family violence victims, service providers, advocates and others.

Sgt Clemence said victims were already using the app and giving feedback.

The Empower You app is available in the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store and NSW Police officers have QR codes on their MobiPOL devices to download the app.