A new signposting initiative has been created for victims of domestic violence across Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council.
Through collaboration between the Police Service of Northern Ireland, and Armagh Banbridge and Craigavon Policing & Community Safety Partnership (PCSP), a QR code has been developed to help direct victims of domestic violence to accessible support services within their area.
Officers across the borough will have the QR code readily available through business cards and on their work-issued phones.
The QR code will also be available in poster format – accessible within hotels, commercial and other premises across the district.
This means when an officer comes into contact with a potential victim of domestic violence – they can be appropriately and discretely signposted.
Developed between Armagh Neighbourhood Policing Team Inspector, Kelly Moffett along with Sergeant Karen Ross, PCSP were involved in the formation of the initiative and helped with the productions of materials, as well as placement on the council website.
Commenting, Inspector Moffett said: “The idea for this initiative was developed after I worked with a high-risk missing person who disclosed that she had been the victim of domestic abuse by her husband.
“The woman was not from this country, she had two young children to care for, no employment, and no friends outside her home, and just 17 pence in her bank account.
“It was clearly evident that she was totally dependent on her husband. I believe that if people in these circumstances are signposted to the services available to them, it will be invaluable to them to access the support they need to start a new life away from domestic violence.
“Many victims we deal with are foreign nationals and may not know where their local Social Security Agency is or where their local food bank is situated, or even what they do.
“Money and food, especially if caring for children, can be two main concerns of victims trying to build a life on their own.”
The QR code takes victims directly to a page on the local council website, providing contact details of those services readily available.
Inspector Moffett continued: “Officers will have business cards with the QR code printed on them which can be handed to victims, and they will also have the QR code on their police issued mobile phone which will allow access to it at all times when on duty.
“This gives officers the opportunity to engage with the victim, make them aware of, and offer them the support they need, on potentially one of the worse days in their life.
“Informing a victim of additional services available to them on their doorstep could be the deciding factor in them making a statement to police and proceeding with a domestic abuse complaint.”
The initiative has already been rolled out to all officers within the district, and copies of the information available are also available in braille.
“We hope to produce the information in different languages in the near future as well as adapting the material to allow other policing districts to signpost victims in their area.
“The Police Service of Northern Ireland is committed to tacking domestic abuse and offering all available support to those victims.
“We would encourage the promotion of this initiative by members of the public to anyone they feel may require information on how to access these vital services. It is a discreet way of helping those who may struggle to ask for help,” Inspector Moffett added.
Armagh Banbridge and Craigavon PCSP Chair, Councillor Julie Flaherty said: “The Armagh Banbridge and Craigavon Policing and Community Safety Partnership is committed to supporting victims of domestic violence and welcomes the opportunity to work with local officers to make it as easy as possible for people experiencing domestic violence to access support services.
“We would like to reinforce the message that help is available and that no one should suffer in silence. Through this initiative, we show our commitment to building a borough where everyone can live safely and without fear.”