As we mark National Refugee Week’s theme of Finding Freedom, Life Without Barriers reflects on an innovative partnership empowering vulnerable people to live safer, and freer lives.
Image: A young woman holding a baby is touching a smart watch on her arm.
Feeling safe in our own homes is something many of us may take for granted. But for some of the people we support, it’s not a given.
In particular, for people seeking asylum in Australia and people impacted by forced marriage. Violence inside the home can be a confronting reality, often compounded by social isolation, limited networks, and fear of authorities.
Recognising this, last year, Life Without Barriers’ National Immigration Support Service (NISS) became the first immigration program to partner with the StandbyU Foundation, a local not for profit using simple, wearable innovative technology to help people stay safe and connected.
Having previously worked with family violence and child protection organisations, StandbyU and Life Without Barriers identified the unique needs of people seeking asylum and those impacted by forced marriage as being particularly suited to a wearable device.
Image: Two women are standing outside and hugging.
For the past year, the NISS team have been participating in a pilot program centring on the use of 10 StandbyU personal safety shields. The shields, which take the form of either a watch or pendant, allow users to discreetly connect to a team of chosen responders by simply pressing a button.
The StandbyU Shield creates a secret and secure way for people at risk to stay connected to their friends, family, case workers and police.
Recordings of situations are taken, location information is shared and subsequently, accountability and visibility are massively increased.
For people who may be at risk of violence from either a family member or former partner, the devices can help to create a real and much-needed sense of safety.
Chris Boyle, Founder of the StandbyU Foundation, says the creation of this sense of safety and empowerment are some of the exact reasons why the devices were created.
"At StandbyU, we believe that safety is not just about services—it’s about connection. The Shield was designed to restore a sense of control, freedom and dignity to people who feel isolated or trapped. To see it making such a powerful impact with those seeking refuge or recovering from forced marriage is exactly why we created it."
"Everyone deserves to feel safe—and no one should have to face challenging times alone."
Testimonials from the pilot program have stated that even though in most cases, the alarms haven't needed to be activated, the knowledge that they could, should they need to, has been an enormous relief to wearers.
Image: StandbyU Founder Chris Boyle is wearing a white polo shirt with the StandbyU logo and talking to a woman.
Case Manager, Elizabeth Mulqueeny, who supports people impacted by forced marriage has witnessed first hand the impact that the devices can have on the lives of people at risk of violence.
"The devices provide people with a great sense of security, knowing that they can activate them any time they need," she said.
Unlike traditional panic alarms, the StandbyU Shield gives wearers the option to reach out to a pre-selected circle of trusted contacts before involving police. A choice that many participants deeply value.
"The fact that people don’t immediately have to call in police is a big relief to them, with many preferring to inform their chosen trusted network, instead of the authorities," Elizabeth mentioned. As Elizabeth explains, this network could include friends, family members, neighbours or support workers – anyone the wearer deems trusted to them. And if police do happen to be required, they can be brought in by the network when appropriate.
After a successful first year, the pilot program has now been extended for another 12 months to further explore the devices’ use as a powerful preventative tool for vulnerable people.
Image: Profile of a woman with dark hair sitting.
For NISS Director, Panos Massouris, this is an exciting progression for the two programs he runs.
"Utilising fit-for-purpose technology to empower the lives of the people we support is an incredible thing. We are so grateful to be working with the StandbyU Foundation to continue this ground-breaking partnership."
