Women fleeing violent and abusive relationships will be able to get free mobile phones fitted with a duress alarm function that connects them to the police 000 hotline.
Telstra yesterday donated 100 phones to the WA Police State Family Violence Unit, which distributes them to victims so they can get help in a hurry if an abusive partner tracks them down while they are in hiding.
Assistant Commissioner Michelle Fyfe said women who had to flee their homes often had little more than the clothes on their back, and not having a phone left them feeling cut off and vulnerable.
“Family violence is a crime of power and that power is often exercised by taking away someone’s contact with family, or finances or access to a phone, so we are giving them back just a little symbol of their power,” Ms Fyfe said.
An app developed by police is installed on the phone. The user hits one button to be connected to police.
Their number is recognised by 000 and their call is sent to the front of the queue.
“That duress function makes people feel safe and secure out in the public and they know if they are approached or something happens, they have a direct line to police,” Ms Fyfe said.
The relationship between WA Police and Telstra began in 2012 and about 320 phones have been distributed through the program.
This article was written by Grant Taylor and was copied from here.
Telstra yesterday donated 100 phones to the WA Police State Family Violence Unit, which distributes them to victims so they can get help in a hurry if an abusive partner tracks them down while they are in hiding.
Assistant Commissioner Michelle Fyfe said women who had to flee their homes often had little more than the clothes on their back, and not having a phone left them feeling cut off and vulnerable.
“Family violence is a crime of power and that power is often exercised by taking away someone’s contact with family, or finances or access to a phone, so we are giving them back just a little symbol of their power,” Ms Fyfe said.
An app developed by police is installed on the phone. The user hits one button to be connected to police.
Their number is recognised by 000 and their call is sent to the front of the queue.
“That duress function makes people feel safe and secure out in the public and they know if they are approached or something happens, they have a direct line to police,” Ms Fyfe said.
The relationship between WA Police and Telstra began in 2012 and about 320 phones have been distributed through the program.
This article was written by Grant Taylor and was copied from here.
