Push for personal safety alarms for all family violence victims after Phillip Island mum’s murder

A mother brutally murdered in her Phillip Island home by her estranged husband might still be alive if she had access to a personal safety alarm, her best friend believes.

Samantha Fraser may have survived her estranged husband’s attack if she had access to a duress alarm, her best friend Lija Matthews’ believes. Picture: Jason Edwards

A mother brutally murdered in her home by her estranged husband might still be alive if she had access to a duress alarm, her best friend believes.

Pressure is mounting on the state government to expand its provision of personal safety alarms for family violence victims following an investigation by the state coroner which found such devices could save women’s’ lives, as revealed in the Saturday Herald Sun.

Mother-of-three Samantha Fraser was murdered by her ex-husband Adrian Basham in her Cowes home in 2018 after years of violence, intimidation and coercive control.

He staged the killing as a suicide, tying a noose around her neck and hanging her inside the garage a week before she was due testify against him over allegations of rape during their marriage.

Samantha Fraser was murdered by her violent, controlling husband in 2018. Picture: Jason Edwards

Her best friend Lija Matthews said Ms Fraser was constantly worried for her safety and had two phones but was seemingly unable to reach them to call police the day she was unexpectedly ambushed and killed.

Ms Matthews believes her friend might have survived the attack had she been armed with a duress alarm.

“I think if she had one and pressed the button, the emergency services could have gotten to her quicker and things could have been different,” she said.

“I knew the fear she felt. She feared being alone, was always looking over her back and frightened she was going to be attacked.”

The Change for Sam organisation, launched following Ms Fraser’s murder, equips women with duress alarms, known as safety pendants, after they escape violent relationships.

Samantha’s best friend Lija Matthews believes her friend might have survived the attack had she been armed with a duress alarm. Picture: Jason Edwards

The devices are issued by the Salvation Army and provide instant, 24/7 connection to a security company which records audio and GPS coordinates and immediately flags incidents with emergency responders.

They also enable evidence to be captured and used as part of criminal proceedings.

“This is about saving lives,” said Ms Matthews, who runs the organisation.

“Violence against women is a national crisis but it’s been a national crisis for a long time.

“There is a lot of talk about things changing. Education programs will take a while, perhaps even generations to filter through, but this helps women right now.

“This means women can feel safer in their own home knowing someone is listening in at the touch of a button or that if they need to leave the home, for example, to pick up their kids, they can press a button for help if they fear they are being followed or in danger.”

Salvation Army’s Integrated Men’s Services senior manager Lauren Chisholm said women subjected to “repeat incidents of violence” across Bayside Peninsula and Inner Gippsland are now armed with the alarms fundraised by Change for Sam.

“The safety pendants offer an extra layer of security, allowing users to trigger immediate support in critical situations,” Ms Chisholm said.

“Through ongoing safety planning and risk assessment, women are empowered with the knowledge of when and how to use these devices, along with a deeper understanding of the perpetrator’s patterns of violent behaviour.”

The devices are issued by the Salvation Army and provide instant, 24/7 connection to a security company. Picture: Jason Edwards

Last week State Coroner Judge John Cain called on the state government to expand the availability of duress alarmsto family violence victims whom have intervention orders against their perpetrators.

The recommendation was made following his investigation into the 2018 murder of Caroline Willis by her son two hours after he was ordered to stay away from her.

Judge Cain found duress alarms reduce revictimisation rates by 40 – 70 per cent and enable victims to quickly and discreetly alert authorities when they are in danger but that there are eligibility limits and implementation delays under the state government’s existing Personal Safety Initiative program.

Premier Jacinta Allan said Victoria leads the nation when it comes to addressing family violence but that “we need to do more”.

“This is a national crisis, and needs a national response. This week’s national cabinet is an opportunity for us to share what we have learnt from the Royal Commission with our state and federal colleagues, but more importantly to work together on next steps to address men’s violence,” Ms Allan said.

Duress alarms are also offered by Safe Steps, the state’s 24-hour crisis response service, which provides protective housing for victims escaping family violence.

If you need help, contact 1800 RESPECT or phone triple-0.