18 Jun 2025

Harnessing Technology to Protect Survivors of Domestic Abuse: Razi Hassan, Domestic Abuse Alliance

President’s Awards insights: Society Award finalist, Razi Hassan, Domestic Abuse Alliance

Razi Hassan’s work stands as a powerful example of how technology can be used for societal good. As co-founder of the Domestic Abuse Alliance, Razi has spent the last six years pioneering innovative, tech-led solutions to protect vulnerable individuals and families affected by domestic abuse, both in his home county of Hertfordshire and across the UK.

At the heart of his efforts is WEPROTECT, a digital service designed to accelerate access to legal protection for domestic abuse survivors. Since its inception, WEPROTECT has grown into a vital tool for UK police forces, frontline professionals, and survivors themselves. Its mission is clear: to ensure that those affected by abuse can quickly and safely obtain the legal support they need to escape harm.

Under Razi’s leadership, WEPROTECT has been adopted by 12 UK police forces and stands out as the only service of its kind currently undergoing independent evaluation through the UK Home Office’s “What Works to Prevent VAWG” fund. In partnership with the University of Birmingham, this 30-month study is exploring WEPROTECT’s effectiveness in reducing revictimisation, improving mental health outcomes, and offering a cost-effective response to a problem that costs the UK economy £85 billion each year.

Closer to home, Razi's impact has been particularly profound in Hertfordshire. Since 2020, over 13,000 WEPROTECT referrals have been managed from Hertfordshire Police, resulting in nearly 900 secured civil protection orders and more than 130 further applications in progress. These legal protections are life-changing, enabling survivors to rebuild their lives in safety.

Razi hasn’t stopped there. He also led the development of WEPROCESS, another tech-based service that improves how police forces handle civil injunctions. By streamlining the process and ensuring timely updates to the Police National Computer, WEPROCESS enhances police response and increases protection for survivors, giving officers immediate access to vital information during domestic abuse incidents.

Razi’s commitment was especially vital during the pandemic, when remote services like WEPROTECT proved essential in maintaining support for survivors. As domestic abuse surged behind closed doors, his work helped ensure that help remained accessible, safe, and effective, bridging a critical gap in service delivery.

This combination of social purpose and innovation has earned the Domestic Abuse Alliance widespread recognition. In 2022, the organisation received the St Albans Mayor’s Pride Award for its outstanding contribution to the local community. More recently, it was named the East of England regional winner in the 2024 Federation of Small Businesses Awards for its work across Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Bedfordshire.

Razi Hassan’s vision remains unwavering: to reduce inequality, empower survivors, and transform how the UK responds to domestic abuse. Through thoughtful innovation and tireless dedication, he is not just changing systems - he is changing lives.

To read more about the techUK President's Awards, visit our page here. Winners will be announced at the techUK Annual Dinner on 1 July.

Harnessing Technology to Protect Survivors of Domestic Abuse: Razi Hassan, Domestic Abuse Alliance

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