Nearly 200 panic alarms have been distributed to individuals identified as high-risk victims of domestic violence, as part of a new safety initiative led by police and support agencies.
The alarms are designed to provide immediate protection, allowing recipients to alert authorities with a single press if they feel threatened in their home. Once activated, the device sends a direct signal to the police control room, which can then dispatch officers to the location without delay.
Officials said the rollout prioritizes cases assessed as having the greatest risk, based on reports, court orders, and input from social services and victim support groups. Each person receiving an alarm also gets training on how to use it and information on additional support services, including counseling, legal aid, and safe housing options.
Police emphasized that the program is intended to give vulnerable people greater confidence and a faster way to call for help, particularly during evenings and weekends when incidents are more likely to occur. They added that the devices are monitored 24 hours a day and are linked to existing emergency response protocols.
Victim support organizations welcomed the distribution, noting that practical tools like panic alarms can make a meaningful difference while longer-term measures such as protection orders and perpetrator programs are pursued.
Authorities confirmed that the initiative will continue, with further assessments planned to identify other individuals who may benefit from the alarms as part of broader efforts to prevent domestic violence and improve victim safety across the country.
