Domestic abuse: Victims to be given safety alarms

Victims of domestic abuse in the north west are to be given special equipment to help them feel safer.

The packs will include personal safety alarms and home security devices.

The initiative is paid for by Derry City And Strabane District Council's Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP).

Its chair, councillor Sandra Duffy, said the police would deliver packs to victims of domestic abuse and those considered to be at risk.

There were 33,210 domestic abuse incidents in Northern Ireland in the 12-month period up until the end of June.

Police in Belfast dealt with 8,556 cases - the most in Northern Ireland - followed by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon (3,698) and Derry City and Strabane (3,162).

Constable Rebecca Nelson, of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), said tackling domestic abuse in all its forms remained a top priority for the police and warned that they would continue to "relentlessly pursue perpetrators".

"We believe this equipment will help victims feel safer at home, and when they're out and about," she said.

"We also hope it gives them the reassurance we are doing all we can as a police service to support and protect them."

Ms Duffy said: "The aim of this partnership approach is to help tackle domestic abuse in all its forms by giving victims within our community who reach out for help a sense of control to feel safe and secure in their home."

The purchase of this security equipment is in addition to CCTV cameras, which were installed at homes of victims of domestic abuse in the city and district deemed as being "at high risk".

The PSNI has urged anyone who is suffering from domestic abuse, or knows of anyone suffering from domestic abuse and any other type of abuse, intimidation or violence to report it.