The state government has committed $320,000 to continue a potentially life-saving mobile phone app that connects victim-survivors directly to police.

Providing support for a further three years, the app enables those at high risk of domestic and family violence to seek immediate help from police in an emergency.

In particular, the app has a duress feature, which is monitored around the clock, and links women in danger directly to authorities. 

If the feature is activated, a 24/7 monitoring centre will contact SA Police for immediate dispatch.

Victim-survivors can ask for access to the app by contacting the free and confidential Domestic Violence Crisis Phone Line. 

Qualified crisis response workers then work with victim-survivors at high risk to determine if and how the app is appropriate for their safety plan.

More than 460 victim-survivors were provided with access to the app in the 2022-23 financial year – up 27 per cent on the prior year, and more than double the number of applicants registered in the first year of operation.

The app, developed by an Adelaide-based company, cannot be publicly shared – this helps to protect those who use it, and prevents perpetrators from being able to identify it.

Victim-survivors who feel they may be safer with access to this app should contact the Domestic Violence Crisis Line on 1800 800 098 to discuss their circumstances.

Katrine Hildyard is the Minister for Women and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence.

“The prevalence of domestic, family and sexual violence in our community is utterly unacceptable.

“Sadly, for many people experiencing the horror of domestic and familyviolence, picking up the telephone and calling police could lead to a very dangerous situation and create a life-threatening trigger when authorities are called in. 

“Having this app can be invaluable and life saving for brave victim-survivors and their children giving them a discreet, sometimes safer way to access emergency support.”

Maria Hagias, Women’s Safety Services SA, says domestic and family violence remains at epidemic levels in our community. 

“In addition to critical prevention work designed to stop gender-based violence before it starts, it is crucial that people who are being subjected to violence receive the support they need to be safe.  

“This app can serve as an important safety resource for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence at high risk of serious injury or death.”