The South Australian State Government has funded a potentially life-saving mobile phone app that is now available for use.
The app will be linking at-risk women directly to police and domestic violence services with the touch of a button, according to a recent report.
As part of the safety plan that is developed by the DV Crisis Line with its clients, women who are using the service will have access to the app.
The app increases safety by providing around the clock monitoring and quick access to support services, if a person needs instant help, through the use of the mobile phone application.
The State Government had invested A$ 150,000 in an Adelaide-based company to provide this important and innovative technology.
The app could quite literally be a lifesaver for the women in the community, who are facing violent situations at home.
Because of this, details regarding how the app works, including its name cannot be disclosed to protect the privacy of those using the app.
Furthermore, its anonymity will guarantee that the perpetrators are not aware of it.
Meanwhile, the SA Domestic Violence Crisis Line is now staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is specialised by domestic violence counsellors following the Liberal Government’s A$ 1.66 million funding commitment to the Women’s Safety Services SA.
The extra funding means the crisis line will be able to staff their operations around the clock thereby giving hundreds more women living in a violent or abusive relationship access to immediate specialist support when they need help most.
Before the funding was given, the free and confidential state-wide hotline has only been able to afford to operate 9am to 5pm on weekdays.
Calls outside of these hours were diverted to a homeless service run by Uniting Communities. Thus, this funding boost is very welcome news.
Anyone in a critical situation is urged to contact the Crisis Line on 1800 800 098. After which, the staff will determine the type of immediate help that can be provided.
This includes being given access to the app if it will be a useful addition to the individual’s safety plan.
The SA Domestic Violence Crisis Line is a free, confidential service that provides immediate advice to people feeling unsafe in their relationships or experiencing violence.
In 2017, the DV Crisis Line responded to 7,756 calls. Of those, 1,552 people became registered clients of the service.
Women who are at risk of domestic or family violence can call the crisis line at any time, to work one-on-one with staff to create a safety plan or gain quick access to local services.