Press releases

Skyguard Alarm Saves Domestic Violence Victim

Victims of domestic abuse in Perth are seeing the immediate benefit of new personal safety alarms issued by Tayside Police, after it was revealed that the activation of one has led to a conviction at Perth Sheriff Court.

Just over a month ago the Force became the first in Scotland to hand-out the lightweight hi-tech devices, which incorporate the latest Global Positioning System (GPS) technology, to victims at the highest risk of harm,.

Their purpose is to help the emergency services react quickly to people who are in danger and to assist in locating them.

This is exactly what happened shortly after the six-month trial of the alarms began.

A woman who did not want to be identified, who had been given one of the alarms, activated it when her ex-partner, who was subject to bail conditions that he did not approach her, arrived at her home heavily under the influence of alcohol, shouting and swearing putting her in fear for her safety.

Within minutes uniform police officers on street patrol were able to attend at the property and the man was subsequently traced and arrested. He was thereafter remanded in prison over the festive period for two breaches of the peace and a breach of his bail conditions, and has since been convicted at Perth Sheriff Court.

This is the first time these devices have been made available to domestic abuse victims in Scotland.

Perth and Kinross is carrying out a six-month pilot project and senior officers are already impressed with their effectiveness. Divisional Commander for Perth and Kinross, Craig Suttie said:-

“Whilst it is a sad reflection of part of our society that such alarms are needed, I am also delighted that this joint venture to further protect victims of domestic abuse is already showing real benefits for those who are most vulnerable. We will continue our robust approach in dealing with domestic abuse perpetrators in Perth and Kinross and I have no doubt that these alarms coupled with the quality service delivered by our police officers in responding to activations, will continue to provide reassurance, confidence and practical protection for those deemed to be at highest risk.”

The GPS service located the victim swiftly and the provider of the service, Skyguard Ltd, relayed the information to Tayside Police and officers were dispatched equally as efficiently.”

The feedback from the victim herself (through an interpreter) has been just as positive.

“The alarm has made me feel very protected especially as I speak very little English. My estranged husband had forced his way into my house and I was able to use the alarm and police arrived very quickly. It has meant that I feel safer not only within my home but when attending my child’s school and going to the shops. If I didn’t have the alarm I don’t think I would feel confident venturing out of the house this now. I give it 10 out of 10.”

The GEMshield alarms are being used in Perth and Kinross in collaboration with the Perth and Kinross Community Safety Partnership, Domestic Abuse and Violence Against Women Forum and Skyguard Ltd.

The pilot also runs along side Tayside Police’s current campaign in Tackling domestic abuse – Operation Linchpin 2. Operation Linchpin 2 continues throughout January, 2010, and at the conclusion of this intensive period of focused activity, the data obtained will be analysed and a detailed profile of Domestic abuse within the Tayside area will be produced, for use by all of the community partners who are working to address this issue.