Three Cambridgeshire charities that help survivors of domestic abuse are joining forces with a tech company specialising in personal safety to launch a county-wide fundraising campaign.
Abuse is Not OK, a crowd-funder being launched next month, is the idea of Daniel Westhead, CEO of SureSafe, who created the SureSafe Survivor Watch, a discreet device worn just like any other smart watch on the wrist.
But, unlike other smart watches, it gives wearers a sense of security because at the touch of a button, it sends a silent alert giving instant access to help day or night.
The aim of the Abuse is Not OK initiative is to raise £50,000 in February, which will go towards providing 100 survivors of abuse with one of the watches.
Daniel said: "Shockingly, one person is killed every three days in the UK as a result of domestic abuse. That often happens when a relationship has broken down, and the victim has left their abuser.
"The danger continues even after the victim leaves, and it can have a devastating impact on their lives as they live in fear of being found, of being stalked, confronted or worse.
"Having watched a close loved one go through a breakup from an abusive relationship, I am very aware of how dreadful it can be, and how frightening it is," said Daniel.
Through his company SureSafe, which has provided personal security and safety devices for the elderly, he came up with the idea of a watch, which at the touch of a button connects to a call centre manned 24/7.
"The beauty of the watch is that there is no indication that a call for help has been sent. There are no flashing lights or beeps, and the person doesn't have to say anything," said Daniel.
He continued: "The call goes through to the hub, where the operator can identify who has sent it and their exact location using GPS, and they can listen in and send relevant help, all without the perpetrator realising."
The watch has been piloted in the Home Counties, where it was voted a great success, now Daniel is ready to launch it properly in Cambridgeshire.
"We have looked at all ways of funding the scheme, but while everyone is keen to help and get involved, we found there really isn't any funding available," said Daniel.
"That is why we are launching the fundraiser. We have been speaking to the three charities, and have also spoken to Cambridgeshire County Council's domestic and sexual abuse team, and the police.
"The watches will be handed out through the charities to people they feel will benefit from them.
"We found there is a real demand in Cambridgeshire, and in fact we have already provided and funded 10 watches to survivors who needed them now, and couldn't wait for any fundraising.
"We also plan to give one watch for every 10 we can get funded, and we have rounded the cost down to £500 per watch, which is a lot cheaper than something like an Apple watch, which is why we have set the target at £50,000, but obviously the more money we can raise the more watches we can supply to help keep people safe, and give them a peace of mind that help is just the push of a button away."
The watches are only available to those identified through domestic abuse charities, the local authority or the police because of how they operate.
They can also be given to children who may be at risk of kidnapping as a result of a relationship breakdown, and again, that will be done through the charities.
The additional advantage of the watch is that it starts recording conversations the moment the button is pressed, which Daniel pointed out will also help police build a prosecution case if necessary.
Daniel said he has been working hard over recent months to establish links with business leaders across the county, and has the backing from a variety of businesses, from engineering firms to hairdressers.
"We are looking at businesses to get involved by making donations, we are not looking for £1,000s, but every £100 will help, and we hope they will encourage their staff to get involved, making private donations, and organising fundraising for the initiative."
Individuals are also welcome to help with the campaign by making donations, or organising fundraisers.
Every donation will go directly to funding the watch and the 24/7 monitoring; there are no overheads, no admin costs, just peace of mind for those trying to rebuild their lives.
The fundraising campaign is being launched at Cambridgeshire Home - AbuseIsNotOK - Supporting Victims Of Domestic Abuse on February 1 and will run until February 28.
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