The ADT AWARE® Program:
Protection for Abused Women

Since 1992, ADT Security Services, Inc., has offered a life-saving program to address the scourge of domestic violence. The ADT AWARE® program, which stands for Abused Women's Active Response Emergency, is active in more than 160 communities nationwide. It is credited with helping save the lives of 28 victims of serious domestic violence and has given countless other victims the peace of mind to escape an abusive partner.

The ADT AWARE® program is a coordinated effort among ADT Security Services, representatives of local law enforcement agencies, prosecutor's offices and battered women's shelters. After these community groups have selected participants for the program, ADT donates and installs electronic security systems in the homes of victims of domestic violence. The systems include a hold-up alarm pendant, which can be worn or carried with the victim while in the home. In the event of an imminent attack, the victim can press the button on the pendant, sending an immediate, silent alarm to ADT, which in turn notifies the appropriate police agency. Law enforcement agencies participating in the AWARE® program have agreed to respond to these AWARE® alarms on a priority basis.

ADT donates the equipment, installation and monitoring of the AWARE® systems. There is no charge whatsoever to either the victims or the community. Agencies within the community are asked to simply set criteria for selection of victims who are at the highest level of risk for lethal attack by their batterers. The criteria typically require the victim:

1. be in imminent danger of attack,
2. have a restraining order or other order of protection against the abuser, and
3. be willing to prosecute and testify against the batterer in a court of law if he's apprehended as a result of the use of the ADT security system.

The ADT AWARE® program has received widespread acclaim for helping reduce the incidence of domestic violence, acting as a deterrent to would-be attackers while helping victims of abuse return to a safe and normal life in the one place in which they should feel safe—their homes.

If abuse is a clear and present danger for you or someone you know, follow these five steps:

1. Complete the Danger Assessment to see if you qualify.
2. Check the list of communities served by the ADT AWARE® program to see if this free ADT service is offered in your community.
3. Read through the AWARE® FAQs for some answers to basic questions.
4. To get more information on the AWARE® program, contact Ann Lindstrom