Syracuse (WSYR-TV) - Law enforcement agencies across the state have a new tool to help victims of abuse.
SAVIN (Statewide Automated Victim Information and Notification) is an automated notification system that victims can choose to register for.
When they do, they will be notified that an order of protection has been issued that will give them time to prepare for an angry or violent reaction from their abuser.
Police believe the system can save lives.
Last week, a
deadly shooting rampage at a Wisconsin spa stemmed from a history of domestic violence.
New information shows that police were called to Radcliffe and Zina Haughton’s home 20 times over the past decade.
In addition, there was an order of protection against Haughton before he shot seven women, including his own wife, who he killed.
"An order of protection is a piece of paper. It's not bullet proof, it's a tool that we use to protect the victim,” said Chief John Balloni of the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office.
The Sheriff’s Office serves nearly 100 orders of protection each month.
In an effort to better protect victims, their department is joining 22 other counties in the new effort.
"What it does is helps us notify 24/7 a victim once an order of protection has been served,” Balloni said.
Those who wish to be a part of the program can register through the SAVIN-NY website.
The system enables the participant to receive an alert when an order of protection is served.
The Sheriff’s Institute notes that the time shortly after an order of protection is served is particularly important for the victim’s safety. They say abusers are more violent during a period of separation.
They hope that by registering for the program, victims will be able to take proactive steps for their own safety.
Vera House victims advocate Helena Lamb said there are a variety of measures a would-be victim can take.
"Making plans not to go straight home from work, having the child picked up from the babysitter maybe changing their hours at work,” she said. "It might be a good time to have someone with you so you're not alone, I think reasonable safety precaution could save a life."
The Onondaga County and Cayuga County Sheriff’s Departments are among the local agencies using the program.
For more information, or to register, visit
SAVIN-NY’s website or
NYALERT.gov.
