A new app - Empower You - has been launched by the NSW Police Force to help victims of domestic and family violence discreetly document instances of abuse and access support services. 

The app, which has several in-built locks and protections, as well as a discreet logo that has been designed to avoid drawing the attention of perpetrators.

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said the idea for the app was developed from the Domestic and Family Violence Reform Project, which was established last year to change the way police respond to and prevent domestic violence. 

“Not only does this app allow for victims to easily document abuse, which is often difficult to recall when in distress or when it occurs over long periods of time, we believe this app has potential to save lives,” Commissioner Webb said. 

A private diary, coded emergency signal feature with GPS location, Triple Zero connectivity and links to local support services are all included within the Empower You app.

The app is the result of all staff being asked to contribute ideas to assist with reporting.

The app comes as Western NSW has lost a significant resource for victims of domestic and family violence, after Western Women’s Legal Support (WWLS) lost funding to provide outreach services in local communities. 

“Unfortunately the loss of the legal outreach positions will mean for future clients in these towns we are limited to providing a service via telephone which is…not always safe,” WWLS Principal Solicitor Rachael Robertson said. 

“It is also very difficult to promote the availability of the service in these towns wen you are not on the ground,” she said. 

More to be done for DV epidemic

In 2022, 25 people were murdered in domestic violence-related instances, and 33,410 domestic violence-related assaults incidents were recorded by the NSW police force. 

In response, the Reform Project includes new instruments to combat cases of domestic violence, including ‘Safer Pathway’, which supports victim-survivors across NSW.

A police crackdown on domestic violence across the state earlier this month saw 600 people arrested and 1100 charges laid.

During the four-day action, Operation Amarok III, officers served 500 outstanding apprehended domestic violence orders (ADVOs) and applied for 315 additional ADVOs.  

Two months prior, Operation Amarok II took the same approach, and saw 644 people charged with serious offences. 

The ‘Empower You’ app is available in the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.

Victims of domestic and family violence can also seek advice and services by contacting 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or clicking here. 

Reports of domestic and family-related crime or abuse can be made by contacting or attending your local police station. In an emergency or life-threatening situation, contact Triple Zero (000).