17 September 2009, 09/202
New way for domestic violence victims to stay in
sanctuary of their home
Victims of domestic violence are usually forced to flee their
own home to escape their abuser, but a new scheme has been launched
which offers another option.
West Lancashire Borough Council and national charity Safe
Partnerships has introduced the ‘Sanctuary Scheme’, which is an
alternative choice for survivors of abuse who wish to remain in
their own home.
The initiative aims to help those who have suffered domestic
violence to remain in their own homes and feel safe. This is done
by providing additional security to their property.
It offers a secure alternative for those who otherwise would
have to move house and leave everything and everyone behind at a
time when they need their support networks the most.
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:
"Survivors of domestic violence often have to flee their homes as a
result of the abuse to escape the perpetrator. This can cause a lot
of upset and disruption to their lives at a time when they most
need support. The Sanctuary Scheme offers another alternative for
those who want to avoid the upheaval of moving but without living
in fear in their own home because the initiative offers a number of
measures to help victims feel safe. Providing that the property is
physically suitable and it can be established that the perpetrator
of the violence is no longer living in the home and is not likely
to return, you can find out if you’re eligble."
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:
Councillor Val Hopley, Portfolio Holder for Housing, said:
"Survivors of domestic violence often have to flee their homes as a
result of the abuse to escape the perpetrator. This can cause a lot
of upset and disruption to their lives at a time when they most
need support. The Sanctuary Scheme offers another alternative for
those who want to avoid the upheaval of moving but without living
in fear in their own home because the initiative offers a number of
measures to help victims feel safe. Providing that the property is
physically suitable and it can be established that the perpetrator
of the violence is no longer living in the home and is not likely
to return, you can find out if you’re eligble."
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/homelessness.
The council has its own strategy and resource directory which
lists services to help people who are being abused. For more
information, visit Community Safety.
Related information