'I invented panic alarm using domestic appliances'

Katy Longhurst says her software allows domestic abuse victims to call for help secretly

"Behind closed doors he was a monster," said Katy Longhurst, who claims she suffered years of domestic abuse from an ex-partner and was often prevented from accessing her panic alarm.

"I needed something that could be readily available in any room in my house, and I didn't need to make a noise, didn't need to reach for my phone," she said.

So Ms Longhurst, from Kent, created software which allows victims to call for help secretly, by switching on and off an electrical appliance to send a signal through the mains power supply which then triggers a push notification to a phone.

Tina Alexander, from the Oasis Domestic Abuse Service, said the system offered "a great way to alert somebody that you're in danger, and then get the response that you need".

'Call for help from hairdryer'

"It's a tool in your tool kit as a victim of domestic abuse that keeps you safer," she said.

Ms Longhurst, an IT engineer, said she wanted the software, called Ask Joan, to be accessible. She said she has tried to control the cost of the app, which is nearly £10 a month, as she is aware of how economic abuse can impact victims.

"My ex-partner would lock me in my bedroom, so I wanted to be able to call for help from my hairdryer, or if I was in the kitchen I could use my kettle, my air fryer, something that was an everyday household appliance," she said.

She added that a smart meter or similar device is used to help detect any unusual surges in energy when an appliance is switched on and off in a certain pattern.

"We will send a push notification directly to your next-of-kin or your point of contact, in line with your safety plan."

Ms Longhurst, who now has a non-molestation order in place, said her attacker sometimes hid in her cellar and put listening devices around her home.

"I had 169 crime reports. He broke my ribs, he cracked my cheekbone, he broke my nose," she said.

She said her abuser tracked her down after she was moved to Northern Ireland.

"My family didn't really believe me because he was Jekyll and Hyde. To the outside world he was the most perfect businessman."

When the system is activated, a push notification is sent to a friend, family member or other trusted contact

Ms Longhurst said the Ask Joan technology was first introduced under a pilot scheme with a support group of other domestic abuse survivors in Kent.

She said local authorities and charities could refer victims who might benefit from a secret SOS system.

The Ask Joan system is also being made available as a smartphone app, said Ms Longhurst.

Breckland Council in Norfolk is trialling the app. Staff have distributed 19 units and they are now offered as part of every new referral, said a council spokesperson.

It comes as the Kent-based Oasis Domestic Abuse Service charity is warning of a surge in incidents of domestic abuse during the school holidays, when victims may struggle to pick up the phone for help and advice.

"It's not so easy to do when there are children around and there's a perpetrator at home," said Ms Alexander.

"If you're isolated from friends and family you may not have anyone that can help you during that period of time."

• If you are affected by any of the issues raised, help and support is available via the BBC Action Line.