Comparing panic alarm systems for high-risk domestic abuse victims: a randomised controlled trial on prevention and criminal justice system outcomes

Abstract

Background The use of panic alarm systems for victims of domestic abuse is becoming increasingly popular. However, tests of these devices are rare. Consequently, it is presently unknown whether domestic abuse offenders are deterred by warning stickers informing them that a panic alarm system is installed on the premises, or whether alarm systems reduce domestic abuse recidivism. There is also a lack of data regarding whether adding an audio-recording feature to the panic alarm results in more prosecutions of domestic abuse offenders compared to standard panic alarm systems. Measuring the efficacy of warning stickers and audio recordings will enhance understanding of the overall effectiveness of panic alarm systems for domestic abuse. Methods This study used a pre-test-post-test, control group design, in which 300 eligible high-risk domestic abuse victims in London, UK, were randomly allocated to either a standard panic alarm system or a panic alarm system with audio-recording capabilities and a red warning sticker on a durable, A6-size sign displayed at eye level at the entrance to the premises. Each sticker was well lit to ensure maximum visibility. The gain scores of multiple measures at 6 months prior and 6 months post-randomisation were used to assess the treatment effects (including the number of calls for service, recorded crimes, and harm score), and a negative binomial generalised linear model was utilised to estimate the likelihood of criminal charges for domestic abuse offenders in the two systems. Outcomes Pre-post comparisons of recidivism suggested an overall reduction in both treatment arms, but there were no statistically significant differences between the two types of alarm systems across these crime measures. Nevertheless, the estimation model indicated a significant 57% increase in charges using the audio-recording alarm relative to the standard panic alarm system. Conclusions Using deterrent stickers to warn domestic abuse offenders of panic alarm systems does not lead to a reduction in subsequent harm to victims. Compared to ordinary panic alarms for high-risk domestic abuse victims, audio-recording systems provide valuable evidence that increases subsequent charges, and thus, these systems should be explored further.

Empowered or impoverished: the impact of panic buttons on domestic violence

“…Perkins et al (2017) report limited effectiveness of personal panic alarms linked directly to the police in reducing the high risk of assaults faced by healthcare workers in the UK. Hodgkinson et al (2023) find that using deterrent stickers to warn offenders of panic alarm systems does not reduce the subsequent harm to victims. Finally, Keller et al (2010) argue that a domestic media campaign that aimed to raise awareness about IPV in the US only increased women's perceived severity of violence, not the actual violence against them.…”

Utilization and effects of security technologies in mental health: A scoping review

“…In fact, alarms and video cameras have been used for several purposes and in various environments, even differing from the management of safety in healthcare. For example, a variety of alarm systems are used to prevent domestic violence (Hodgkinson et al, 2022) or improve the autonomy of the elderly (Melander‐Wikman et al, 2008). Moreover, CCTVs have been employed for years in child abuse investigations (Rosen et al, 1983), and, currently, BWCs are widely used by the police to increase accountability (Laming, 2019) or in the self‐care of chronic diseases (Maddison et al, 2019).…”

GOVERNANCE EVALUATION ELECTRONIC SECURITY SYSTEM (ESS) (Case Study: ABC Central Bank)

“…The security system functions to indicate a security disturbance through equipment installed around the office building, such as passive infrared and perimeter. Other supporting equipment in this system is the emergency button (panic button), foot switch (kick button) which is installed in the money management work area and critical areas such as the leadership room and control room (Hodgkinson et al, 2023). This system will respond when triggered by each installed component and forward the information to the control room to display a camera preview on the monitoring screen in that area.…”