Safe Havens or Silent Witnesses? The Role of Home Security in Domestic Violence
Even the most advanced home security systems have their limits. They can’t always protect us from threats that have their own key or know the codes.
Domestic violence is a stark reminder of these limitations.
Every year, countless women face danger not from an outsider, but from someone within their own home.
As a marketing agency serving Fire & Security companies, we often write about the peace of mind that a robust security system can bring to a household. However, the harsh reality is that not every danger comes from outside.
The numbers paint a grim picture:
Every three days, a woman in the UK loses her life to a man, often someone she knows.
This statistic isn’t just a number; it represents real lives shattered by domestic violence, a threat that no keypad or alarm can deter.
The Femicide Census reveals that, over a decade ending in 2018, an average of 89 women per year—62% of all women killed by men—were tragically lost to current or former partners. The lockdowns of 2020 brought a slight dip in these numbers, only for them to surge to 141 in 2021, post-lockdown.
This increase isn’t merely a consequence of enforced proximity during lockdowns but highlights a more chilling fact: women are most at risk when attempting to leave abusive situations.
In March 2024, in a sombre annual tradition, Jess Phillips, MP, read out in Parliament the names of the women killed in 2023.
Every year she tries to humanise the stark statistics and remind us of the individual tragedies behind each number. This act serves not only as a memorial but as a clarion call for change. It underscores the inadequacies of our current systems in protecting the most vulnerable among us.
Galvanising for action…
In the summer of 2023, the Lollies were looking for some security-related charities to support.
And we were told about the Pick Guardian.
This amazing personal safety alarm is the brainchild of Rebecca Pick. Her company, Pick Protection, already used similar technology to monitor thousands of high risk employees around the UK and keep them safe.
The device offers a way to provide extra peace of mind to those concerned with their safety – providing a quick, effective and discreet way to get emergency help to their location, fast.
It stops the need for the vulnerable person in a dire fight or flight situation having to have the dexterity and ability to make a call on their mobile phone to get help.
Because this little clip can be attached onto a bra strap. And be activated with a single press. It is inconspicuous and the method of activation is non threatening and easy to miss by any abuser.
Once pressed, the device starts to be monitored at an alarm receiving centre just like they would for any lone worker situation.
The operator can hear the conversation and that conversation is recorded so it can be used as evidence if necessary.
The operators at the Alarm Receiving Centre are all fully trained and BS8484 approved with a direct line to a police control room to share GPS location and request the highest level of response if needed.
Rebuilding Lives UK
Rebecca has also been working with Naima Ben-Moussa and Rebuilding Lives UK.
Rebuilding Lives UK is a registered charity that strives to empower survivors of domestic abuse.
They offer maintenance repairs to homes where violence has caused property damage and encourage survivors to take back control of their environment where possible.
Emotional support and links to counselling are also offered. As well as installing security measures to help survivors feel safe.
This work brings them into contact with a range of agencies and local authorities so they can be wherever they are most needed. And the charity relies on a team of extraordinary volunteers who give up their time to rebuild homes and lives.
It’s too late for the 101 women tragically lost in 2023
But let their legacy be a world where security extends beyond technology to embrace every individual’s right to safety. Let’s all work towards that.
So far Lollipop has donated three Pick Guardians to Naima and Rebuilding Lives UK.
If you’re concerned about somebody or would like to make your own donation, you can get more information about the Pick Guardian here.
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