Domestic violence victims in South Yorkshire given traceable UV SmartWater in case abusers try to intimidate them

Domestic violence victims in South Yorkshire who have escaped their abusers are being given a traceable liquid used by burglary detectives – and it has already helped 80 people.

The country's Violence Reduction Unit (VRU), one of the dozens of Home Office-funded units in the country tackling the long-term causes of violence, has been giving out SmartWater to known victims of abuse from partners who have managed to find refuge.

The substance, when applied to a surface or person, is invisible to the naked eye but shines under ultra-violet day for several days. It is often used to mark items of value and is used by police for identification following burglaries and robberies.

South Yorkshire's VRU has been giving out SmartWater to women and men who have been affected by domestic abuse and sought refuge elsewhere, so that they can throw it over their abusers in the event they track them down.

Victims of domestic abuse in South Yorkshire are being given SmartWater, which is used in forensics

Although a drastic resort, it means that perpetrators of abuse from whom their victims have escaped, or who may even have been issued with court action such as restraining orders, will not be able to escape justice should they try to continue harassment and intimidation.

SmartWater samples have been given to more than 80 survivors of domestic abuse in South Yorkshire over the past eight months, acting as a deterrent for abusers seeking out their victims.

As a result, the VRU said there had been a 69 per cent reduction in reported incidents and a 94 per cent reduction in harm from those incidents reported across the county.

It comes at a time when abusive situations at home have been hugely exacerbated during lockdown, with charity Refuge saying it saw a 25 per cent surge in calls in the first week back in March alone.

Old photo of South Yorkshire Police officer posing with a sample of SmartWater, which is used to mark items which could be targeted by criminals

Victims are as vulnerable as ever now the country heads into a second lockdown, while the economic strain of the Covid-19 pandemic begins to take its toll.

Detective Chief Inspector Lee Berry said: “The South Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit invested in the SmartWater forensic marking initiative as we knew that it would allow victims of domestic abuse to feel safer.

“In addition to the reduction in the number of incidents, we have also seen that of all of the victims surveyed, 86 per cent of victims now feel safer and 78 per cent have reported that the initiative has had a positive impact on them."

He added: "These results provide reassurance that we are not only prioritising domestic abuse, but that we are making big steps to reducing re-offending and keeping victims safe.”

Calls from domestic abuse victims have surged this year with the country being in lockdown

Dr Alan Billings, South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner said: “Domestic abuse is a serious crime and both the Violence Reduction Unit and South Yorkshire Police are committed to tackle it and protect vulnerable victims.

“SmartWater is one way we can do this. Where, for example, abusers are continuing to deny that they are contacting the victim, property can be forensically sprayed and this will leave a mark on the offender which can be seen under ultra violet light. This may be crucial evidence in enabling perpetrators to be brought to justice.

“I am pleased to see how we have been able to make a significant difference to the lives of some people across South Yorkshire and I urge anyone who is in an abusive situation to make themselves known to the police.”

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