In anticipation of Domestic Violence Month in October, Olympus America Inc. has begun a pilot program in Kings County, N.Y. to fight domestic violence with digital photography. The company donated eight digital cameras and printers to Kings County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes and staff to record injuries of domestic violence victims.

"Our officer receives more than 10,000 domestic violence cases annually," said District Attorney Hynes. "Trying these sensitive cases without hard evidence is a prosecutor's constant challenge. Olympus' donation of digital cameras and printers will help to prosecute these cases by allowing the early gathering of images that may be used as evidence."

Cameras will also be used by the District Attorney's Detective Investigators to record property damage such as broken doors and destroyed furnishings at domestic violence crime scenes.

Beginning in October, Brooklyn hospitals will implement the digital program. In addition to donating the equipment, Olympus America has committed to training the District Attorney's staff, as well as medical and emergency room personnel in the use of the imaging apparatus.