Fifty personal attack alarms will be given to women who feel vulnerable while walking alone, following a donation from the Rebecca Middleton Foundation.

At the push of a button, the "Minder" safety devices produce a flashing light and blaring siren which can be heard up to half a mile away. They will be handed out to sexual assault and domestic violence victims who attend the Women's Resource Centre in Reid Street, Hamilton.

The Rebecca Middleton Foundation, a victim support charity formed in honour of the 17-year-old Canadian tourist who was raped and murdered in Bermuda in 1996, made the donation on Wednesday. Foundation volunteer Kim Smith said: "They are a way of calling attention should a person get into some sort of difficulty. It's a way of attempting to help women feel safe."

Kathy Harriott, executive director and clinical supervisor at the Women's Resource Centre, said the devices would be positive as long as women who use them do not become complacent.

"It might lull people into a false sense of security. Women still need to be careful," she warned.