New Technology to Help Save the Lives of Domestic Violence Victims
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To better protect the nearly 30,000 people at high-risk for lethality in Pennsylvania – and in response to the 119 women killed last year in domestic violence homicides – Crisis Center North (CCN) and Nexion Solutions, in collaboration with Penn State University (PSU) faculty, is announcing a landmark new research endeavor around the implementation of a new technology-based solution, dubbed the NightWatch, to enhance the safety of domestic violence survivors.
“We know when a victim leaves, that's when they're at highest risk. And so even when we're relocating people and their pets, it doesn't mean they're not going to be stalked, it doesn't mean they're not going to have issues,” said Grace Coleman, CCN President & CEO.
CCN will collaborate with Nexion Solutions to provide a cohort of 50 domestic violence survivors at highest risk for lethality with the new technology, which – through cellular connectivity on Verizon’s best-in-class network – will provide them with immediate access to police and emergency services in the event of a violent altercation.
CCN will work with local law enforcement to implement the technology throughout Allegheny County, using a Lethality Assessment Program (LAP) and hospital intake assessment to ensure the technology is protecting those at highest risk.
In the event of a violent incident, the project allows survivors to activate a device, providing immediate access to police and emergency services. The device offers a one-touch emergency button: functions as its own communication device (i.e. no phone required); is GPS-enabled; and is waterproof. The nature of the device is not disclosed for the protection of victims.
In 2023, the NightWatch was piloted in Milwaukee County, WI, resulting in the safe resolutions of two abductions and one ambush; nine arrests of repeat DV offenders; eight emergency medical transports; 50 incidents of DV responded to by officers; and 0 high-risk clients lost their lives.
“The GPS on this device is wicked accurate. We actually had a woman who was hiding in the bushes next to her home from her abuser, and we could see exactly where she was, and so we sent police to that location to extract her. So we said, ‘She's in the bushes.’ So they actually were able to pull her safely out of there,” explained Liz Kohler, founder of Nexion Solutions.
“There’s a myriad of resources we have to offer at our center, and this will be one of them that stays with them and on them,” Coleman said. “Domestic violence thrives in isolation. With this device, the victim is never alone. All they have to do is activate the device and someone is going to be there for them.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What exactly is the technology?
A: The technology is a disguised device that will allow its owner to immediately and discretely connect with law enforcement and emergency services in the event of a crisis. Due to the disguised nature of the device, an exact physical description is not available for owner safety purposes.
Q: How much does it cost to give a device to a high-risk victim?
A: It costs $700 per total per device, including one year of service.
Q: How can I help bring this technology to Allegheny County?
A: Crisis Center North is currently accepting donations from members of our community! You are our “Angel Investors.” Any donation, big or small, will help to bring this project to life in Allegheny County.