The panic buttons come in a variety of discrete options spanning from necklaces to bracelets, cell phone attachments or matchbox-sized buttons women can carry in their purses. The devices will contain an icon for the 'Alo 155' helpline, which when pushed will offer a direct connection to a call center with operators that will immediately dispatch police officers. This is the first time this system is being activated in Turkey with Bursa and Adana already designated as pilot provinces.
The Ministry of Family and Social Policy will soon begin offering training to the approximately 100 female domestic violence victims that will be the first to try out the device. The training will initially involve explaining how the device and system is intended to function.
Participants will be trained on how to use the button as well as how and when is best to recharge the devices. Training will also include a series of warnings to instill in participants the reality that the button is solely able to function as a deterrent and is not a complete 'lifesaver' as there are areas where the device will be incapable of functioning.
For example, female participants will be told that the button's functionality can be obstructed by signal jammer devices. The panic button will also deactivate in elevators that enter underground levels, starting from the minus two-level and beyond. Another area that will be focused on in training will be a series of warnings on using the button in the shower and restroom areas which could not only lead to the button's malfunctioning but could also endanger the participant themselves.
Participants in the pilot program will be court-designated victims of domestic violence that will be given this special opportunity to test out the system's efficiency for a one-year period after which the program will officially become widespread throughout Turkey.
This is a translation of an article originally written by Burcu Çalık.
