At-risk victims of domestic violence will have additional protection from violent offenders as part of a new community program.
It comes in the form of a card that aims to beef up security for women who may find themselves in life-threatening situations.
This is no ordinary piece of plastic – the SafeTCard has an emergency button that when pushed, immediately notifies police and provides a GPS location.
It also records audio – evidence that can be used in court against the perpetrator.
A card can be worn like a necklace, or can be attached to a keyring
The initiative was formed in 2010 to help people who work in remote or dangerous jobs, and also provides protection for vulnerable women, as it aims to minimise abuse and assaults.
Tradies is funding the program for the Southern Sydney Womens Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service, which is operated by Sutherland Shire Family Services, Engadine.
The court advocacy service received a $10,000 community grant from the club to launch the program in the Shire.
Money will go towards 10 cards, which will be given to women so they can always be in close contact to emergency personnel.
They are temporary loaned to at-risk victims, when family workers identify clients who have an increased need for protection.
Program coordinator Rachel Cubis says the device offers significant reassurance.
“It is even useful in situations where a perpetrator may have been sent to jail, but is released on parole,” she said.
“Providing the victim with this SafeTCard for the first month of the perpetrator’s parole, which we know presents a heightened risk to them, provides a safety net not previously available.”
She says in the event where an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) is in place, staff assess the risk of ongoing violence.
“And on the rare occasions where a perpetrator continues to breach the AVO and harass or assault the woman in question, this new technology gives us an option to offer and help keep the woman safe,” she said.
Sutherland Shire ranks 97 in the 100 local government areas in NSW for domestic violence, as recorded by the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research.
Latest results show there were 471 domestic violent-related assaults in the 12 months to March, 2018.
Sutherland Shire Family Services chief executive Diane Manns says domestic violence is a major problem in the region.
“Just in the first half of 2018, there have been over 1919 cases referred to us from police and processed through our court advocacy unit,” she said.
“Any measures that provide additional safety and security for women who have experienced domestic violence are a step in the right direction.
“We thank Tradies for this investment, to help women and families who experience trauma.”
