New App Aims to Support Domestic Abuse Victims With Evidence Collection

A new digital tool being trialled by Jersey Police could make it easier for domestic abuse victims to safely record and share evidence of crimes.

The app, called Kulpa, allows users to upload video, audio, or images directly to a secure system. Importantly, it can be hidden from view on a smartphone, locked with a passcode, or even deleted without losing the stored evidence.

The technology has already been tested by Hertfordshire Constabulary, where it reportedly saved officers up to seven hours per case.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Hafey of the States of Jersey Police said the app could be transformative for victims trapped in unsafe situations.

“Many people who experience domestic abuse suffer dozens of incidents before reporting them,” he explained. “Kulpa empowers victims by letting them capture evidence safely, without the fear of it being discovered on their device.”

Hafey added that the app could also streamline police work, helping officers respond more quickly and effectively.

Kulpa’s chief executive, Simon Franc, highlighted the app’s wider use beyond domestic abuse cases. He said it was already helping businesses share CCTV footage with police in theft and vandalism investigations, and had been applied in serious cases including sexual offences.

“The real point is that anyone can use Kulpa for any type of offence,” he said. “It’s built to store files in a way that ensures they can stand up in court.”

Police hope the trial in Jersey will prove the app’s value, both in protecting victims and in modernising how evidence is gathered.