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04/11/2005
Mobile initiative reduces domestic violence
Police in Londonderry have joined together with mobile phone company O2 in an initiative to provide mobiles phones to victims of domestic violence.
The new initiative will see phones and SIM cards provided to victims with a means that only they know about making contact with police. Foyle Women’s Aid will also be working to help assess the need for the phones.
People making 999 calls will ask for the police and give their details to the communications officer. The control rooms will then be enable to identify the call as someone in priority need and this should enable a rapid response to the caller’s aid.
Police said the scheme was vital as often the victims of domestic violence have no access to a line of communication themselves because it is controlled by the offender.
The Foyle scheme is the second in Northern Ireland following on from a similar operation in West Belfast, where it has helped reduce the number of incidents of domestic violence.
A police spokesman said: “This scheme sends out the message that police are treating domestic violence seriously.
“We have officers whose role specifically is to help the victims of domestic violence and will give them all the support they can. Strand Road police station now has its own dedicated domestic violence unit where advice and support can be obtained in a confidential way."
Between July and September this year, police in the Foyle DCU attended 501 reports of domestic violence. Of these 191 were ‘repeat’ victims.
Out of these calls, 24 offenders have been charged and 83 have been reported for prosecution.
(MB/SP)
The new initiative will see phones and SIM cards provided to victims with a means that only they know about making contact with police. Foyle Women’s Aid will also be working to help assess the need for the phones.
People making 999 calls will ask for the police and give their details to the communications officer. The control rooms will then be enable to identify the call as someone in priority need and this should enable a rapid response to the caller’s aid.
Police said the scheme was vital as often the victims of domestic violence have no access to a line of communication themselves because it is controlled by the offender.
The Foyle scheme is the second in Northern Ireland following on from a similar operation in West Belfast, where it has helped reduce the number of incidents of domestic violence.
A police spokesman said: “This scheme sends out the message that police are treating domestic violence seriously.
“We have officers whose role specifically is to help the victims of domestic violence and will give them all the support they can. Strand Road police station now has its own dedicated domestic violence unit where advice and support can be obtained in a confidential way."
Between July and September this year, police in the Foyle DCU attended 501 reports of domestic violence. Of these 191 were ‘repeat’ victims.
Out of these calls, 24 offenders have been charged and 83 have been reported for prosecution.
(MB/SP)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A chilly start with a widespread frost and some freezing fog, any freezing fog slow to clear. Otherwise bright with sunny spells and coastal showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Coastal showers dying out with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
