A local security company is helping victims of domestic violence in the area maintain their "piece of mind."

Bob Heimbecker, general manager of Bethlehem-based Altronics Security Systems, along with Lehigh County District Attorney Jim Martin, announced June 30 the company will fund a program to provide the most serious victims of domestic violence with security technology.

Maximum Victim Protection includes a security unit in the person's home and a panic button to be worn around the neck to call the operator and summon police in an emergency.

Altronics has agreed to donate the $300 to $500 systems and to waive the $40 monthly monitoring fee for the victims in what the district attorney deems the most serious cases of domestic violence.

Martin said he expects three or four cases a year to be serious enough to warrant the free protection.

Individuals in Lehigh, Northampton and Berks counties will be able to qualify for the free securty service.

"Our hope is the person we're protecting is never alone," Heimbecker said.

To qualify for the program, a victim of domestic violence must be considered in "imminent danger," have an order of protection against the abuser and be willing to participate in the prosecution of the abuser.

The distict attorney's office may also consider financial need in deciding to provide the service.

The idea for the program began when Kimberly Silvestri, coordinator of the Victim/Witness Unit in the district attorney's office, contacted Heimbecker about a woman concerned for her safety after the man she was in a previous relationship with made death threats against her.

The man was about to be released from prison at the time.

"Everybody connected to the case," Martin said. "We were all concerned about how to offer her more protection."

The security system has already been installed in the woman's home and place of work.

Silvestri, who was present at the installation along with Heimbecker, said the woman was "thrilled" with the added protection.

"She relaxed," Silvestri said. "She just feels safe in her home. It's priceless."

Dianne Zanetti, executive director of Turning Point of Lehigh Valley, an Allentown-based organization against domestic abuse, said the program shows victims living under domestic abuse is "unacceptable to us."

"This program adds another level of assurance," Zanetti said. "What this also does is to let the victim know that we get it."

Heimbecker said the service allows victims to give panic buttons to family members who may also have the same risk.