Understanding Domestic Violence and the Role of ‘Empower You’ App

KEY TAKE OUTS:

• Understanding how serious and widespread domestic violence is in our community.
• What is the ‘Empower You’ App and how does it work?
• Why is ‘Empower You’ needed in our communities?

 

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Domestic violence is a serious issue in Australia, with the number of domestic violence assaults continuing to rise each year. The statistics surrounding domestic violence are extremely concerning, with a woman being murdered every five days due to domestic violence in 2023 alone. These stark numbers highlight the urgent need for effective tools and resources to support victims.
To illustrate the prevalence of domestic violence:
– 1 in 6 women and 1 in 18 men have experienced physical and/or sexual partner violence.
– 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men have experienced partner emotional abuse.
– 1 in 6 women and 1 in 13 men have experienced partner economic abuse.
– 1 in 5 women and 1 in 16 men have experienced sexual violence.

What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence refers to abuse that occurs in a domestic setting involving parties in a relationship. It can take many forms and is not limited to physical abuse. Domestic violence can include mental and emotional abuse, intimidation, humiliation, threatening behaviour, and coercion. It’s crucial to recognise the many faces of domestic violence to address and support those affected comprehensively.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, reaching out for help is vital. Resources such as Lifeline, Beyond Blue, and the Kids Help Line are available for support. In immediate danger, always contact the police on 000.

What is ‘Empower You’?

‘Empower You’ is an innovative app created by the New South Wales Police to assist victims of domestic violence. This app allows victims to discreetly document abuse through a diary feature. It provides a secure and private way for victims to record instances of abuse and collect evidence that can be crucial for their safety and any legal proceedings.

How Does ‘Empower You’ Work?

The app includes several key features designed to help victims:

1. Diary Feature: Victims can write notes about ongoing abuse, continuously documenting incidents as they occur.
2. Photo and Evidence Upload: Victims can upload photos of injuries, property damage, and screenshots of abusive messages and emails. Importantly, photos taken within the app do not save to the camera roll, preventing perpetrators from discovering them.
3. Secure Sharing: The app allows victims to send their diary entries and evidence to trusted friends, family members, or the police, ensuring that crucial information is preserved and not deleted by the abuser.
4. Privacy Features: Inbuilt security measures, such as passcodes and a quick lock feature, ensure the diary remains private. The app’s icon is designed to be discreet, helping protect the victim from further violence if the perpetrator discovers the app.

Additionally, the app provides victims with information on local resources and services, making it easier for them to find the support they need.

 

Why is ‘Empower You’ Needed?

Domestic violence is severely underreported. Many victims do not come forward due to fear, shame, or a lack of resources. By providing a safe, discreet way to document abuse, ‘Empower You’ can help increase reporting numbers. Accurate and timely documentation can be crucial for legal proceedings and ensuring victims receive the protection and support they need.

Moreover, the app empowers victims by giving them control over their situation, helping them gather evidence and seek help without alerting their abuser. This can be a critical step in breaking the cycle of violence and starting the journey toward safety and recovery.

 

How Coutts Lawyers & Conveyancers Can Help

Coutts provides expert legal advice and assistance throughout the process of a domestic violence-related incident. Our team is highly experienced in handling the delicate and complex nature of domestic violence cases. Our approach is comprehensive, emphasising in-depth evidence analysis, empathetic advocacy, and strategic defence planning, all aimed at securing the most favourable outcomes for our clients.

It is important to seek legal advice before providing an interview to the Police in relation to any domestic violence-related incident. Our Coutts Criminal Law team has the expertise to assist you throughout the process.

 

Conclusion

The ‘Empower You’ app is a significant step forward in supporting victims of domestic violence. By providing a discreet and secure way to document abuse, the app empowers victims and helps ensure they have the evidence needed to seek help and protection.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, we encourage you to download the ‘Empower You’ app and reach out for support. For more information on how to protect yourself and your loved ones, visit our website or contact our team at Coutts. We are here to help you navigate these challenging times with the support and legal advice you need.

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