Family violence victims to receive panic alarms

The worst victims of family violence will be offered potentially life-saving panic alarms that trigger an instant police response and record evidence of attacks.

The miniature alarms can be worn around the neck and connect the victim to the nearest police communications centre.

They will also record evidence that could be used to prosecute abusers as part of a police battle to catch repeat and severe family violence offenders.

The new alarms operate like systems worn by the elderly to alert emergency services if they suffer severe health problems.

Western Bay of Plenty police family violence co-ordinator Detective Jason Perry said he hoped the pendants would protect victims of the most violent offenders.

The alarm would allow the victim to alert police before they were beaten, as abusers often disconnected the telephone or took their victim's cellphone before an attack.

Each pendant costs $1200.

Tauranga Women's Refuge manager Atiria Armstrong said a protection order was sometimes not enough to deter serious abusers, so the alarm would be ideal.

- NZPA