Providing sanctuary for victims of domestic abuse

Helping victims of domestic abuse to stay safe in their own home - that's the aim of an innovative scheme appropriately named Sanctuary.

Sanctuary provides practical security measures ranging from window and door locks to grilles on windows to a 'safe room', depending on need and the risk posed.

A partnership between the Royal Borough, Maidenhead and District Housing Association and Thames Valley Police, Sanctuary aims to help local residents affected by domestic abuse stay safe in their own homes, rather than seek temporary accommodation or declare themselves homeless.

Anyone in fear of, or experiencing domestic abuse can apply for help and advice under the FREE scheme as long as three conditions are met:

• the accommodation must be in the Royal Borough
• the perpetrator must no longer be resident at the property where Sanctuary is to be installed. If the property is jointly owned with the perpetrator, legal advice should be sought as no work can be carried out on a property where the perpetrator has a legal right to occupy
• the scheme covers all tenures and is not limited to council or housing association tenants, and includes any person threatened with homelessness due to domestic abuse. If the property is rented, permission to carry out any work must be given by the landlord or housing association.

Cllr Colin Rayner, lead member for highways and streetcare (which includes community safety), said: "We must do all we can to ensure that victims feel and are safe on their own home. This scheme should ensure that our vulnerable residents can enjoy a life free from fear of violence.

"I would like to thank Maidenhead and District Housing Association for supporting this unfortunately much needed scheme."

A spokesman for Maidenhead and District Housing Association, said: "The safety and security of people living in fear of violence is of paramount importance. Where it is practicable for them to remain in their home, we will make every effort to provide additional security measures."

The scheme is available free of charge to those who are experiencing domestic abuse in their homes or who have experienced threats of violence or abuse likely to be carried out and where remaining at home without additional security would be likely to become homeless or be put at high risk of harm.

If you are affected by domestic abuse, or want to find out more about the scheme, contact the Thames Valley Police domestic abuse unit - tel: 0845 8 505 505 or visit the Royal Borough's domestic abuse forum's website www.rbwmdvf.org.uk

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