High-tech support for domestic abuse victims

A ‘REVOLUTIONARY’ device will now be offered to victims of domestic abuse in a bid to increase their protection and security.

South Yorkshire Police has rolled out the TecSOS device this week, which gives high-risk victims of domestic abuse immediate connection to the police emergency control room, 24 hours-a-day, seven days a week.

The force said the device could save valuable response time in locating victims because 999 call handlers would already have the complainant’s case details stored.

Even in a silent call situation, these details will be passed to officers and the call will be flagged for immediate response.

Assistant Chief Constable Jo Byrne said: “I am delighted that we are able to offer this revolutionary protective measure to domestic abuse victims across South Yorkshire.

“Every second is vital in cases of domestic abuse and introducing this system should shave valuable minutes off our response time, allowing us to get to victims quickly and prevent the offender inflicting any further harm.

“This move demonstrates our commitment to tackling domestic abuse and I hope that victims will be reassured by this very positive step.”

The Vodafone Group Foundation, a charitable organisation, delivers TecSOS and in 2010 the Foundation brought the scheme over to the UK after rolling it out successfully in Spain.

South Yorkshire Police now joins 23 other forces nationwide that use the TecSOS system. The scheme is also live in Spain, Portugal, Italy, Republic of Ireland, Jersey and Scotland.

Independent evaluations of the scheme have identified an 11 per cent improvement in police response times and have shown a significant reduction in the levels of fear perceived by victims.

To report domestic abuse or concerns around it, call SYP on 101.

For additional support, call the National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247, Women's Aid on 0808 2000 247 or Victim Support on 0845 3030900.