23 December 2009, 09/301
Domestic violence victims stay home for
Christmas
Victims of domestic violence can look forward to a safer
Christmas and New Year in their own homes, thanks to the
introduction of the Sanctuary Scheme.
West Lancashire Borough Council and national charity Safe
Partnerships introduced this initiative in September, which is an
alternative choice for survivors of abuse who wish to remain in
their own home.
Victims are sometimes forced to flee their own home to escape
their abuser, but the Sanctuary Scheme allows them to remain in
their own homes and feel safe. This is done by providing additional
security to their property.
Since the scheme was launched, there have been 17 referrals and
families who have benefitted from the scheme are now looking
forward to the festive period without the upheaval of moving
house.
A mother-of-three who had suffered at the hands of her husband
for years has recently benefitted from the scheme. She said: "It’s
nice that we will be able to stay in our family home at this time
of year because I didn’t want to move house. Me and the children
feel much more secure in the house now that extra alarms and chains
have been fitted. I think it’s a really good scheme to have and I
would recommend it to anyone in the same situation."
The scheme involves the installation of security equipment -
such as door chains, viewers, window locks and personal safety
alarms - to allow the victim to carry on living in their home. In
extreme cases a sanctuary room can also be built. This involves
turning one room in the house into a safe room where the victim can
stay until the emergency services arrive (although not every house
will be suitable for a sanctuary room).
Tackling domestic violence is one of the Council’s priorities
and this is just one of a number of initiatives the Council is
involved in to protect innocent victims of domestic violence.
Councillor Val Hopley, Portfolio Holder for Housing, said:
"Victims of abuse often feel that they have to leave their home to
escape their attacker, but why should innocent victims have to
suffer the upheavel and leave everything behind them at a time when
they most need support from family and friends.
"In the short space of time that we have been running the
Sanctuary Scheme I’m glad that we have been able to help a number
of victims stay in the comfort of their own home, especially during
Christmas and New Year when nobody wants the heartache of having to
leave everything behind.
"Whist this initiative is not appropriate for everyone and not
every house is suitable to have a sanctuary rom built, in extreme
cases, it offers the victim somewhere to go in an emergency."
The scheme is open to owner-occupiers, private tenants, Council
tenants and housing association tenants. You can also be considered
if you permanently live with family.
To be eligible to apply to the scheme, you must be:
- a victim or survivor of domestic abuse
- want to remain in your home
- live within the West Lancashire area
- have rights to occupy the property
- be at risk of homelessness if the sanctuary is not
provided
If you do not own the accommodation, permission will need to be
sought from the owner before any work can be carried out. Safe
Partnerships will contact the owner for you and ask for
permission.
To apply or for more information, please contact the Council’s
Homelessness Advice and Prevention Team on 01695 577177 or email:
homelessness@westlancs.gov.uk,
or visit the Council’s website www.westlancs.gov.uk/housing.
The Council has its own strategy and resource directory which
lists services to help people who are being abused. For more
information, visit the website www.westlancs.gov.uk/communitysafety.
Related information