Angus Partnership on Domestic Abuse
Angus Domestic Abuse Alarm Scheme Launched
A project designed to protect vulnerable people in the community who may be at risk of physical harm or abuse from spouses, partners, or ex-partners has been launched in Angus today, Thursday 28 May.
The scheme will use the existing Angus Council community alarm and telecare facilities and equipment to provide a 24/7 emergency response system and enable police to be at the scene promptly. Calls and all other activity and sound will be recorded until the arrival of the police and will aid evidence gathering.
Evelyn Allardyce, Chair of the Angus Partnership on Domestic Abuse said: "The benefits of the telecare system are not restricted to enhancing care in the community, but can also play a part in protecting those at risk of harm from violent partners or ex-partners.
"By installing this equipment for short periods of time where needed, we hope to reduce the opportunities for crime and disorder and make people feel safer in their homes."
Robert Peat, Director of Social Work and Health explained: "Social Work and Health has provided a community alarm service in Angus for nearly fifteen years. We are delighted to be able to develop our twenty four hour response service to support those in the community who may be at risk of harm as a result of domestic abuse. This innovative approach, using equipment designed to encourage independence and home safety, allows social work and health to continue to work with our partners to protect the most vulnerable in our communities."
Chief Superintendent Alan Campbell, Tayside Police said: "This scheme is a welcome addition to both our own and our partners' efforts to help protect the victims of domestic abuse in Angus. By harnessing the tried and tested community alarm facility we will be able to provide re-assurance to vulnerable people and their families whose lives are blighted by abusive partners or ex partners. This facility provides an additional means for such victims to be able to contact the police and receive prompt police attendance when required. The scheme will also create an additional source of potentially valuable evidence which will assist in bringing domestic abusers to justice."