The Sanctuary Scheme, marking its first anniversary, provides for extra security measures such as reinforced window locks and emergency lights and in extreme cases the creation of a safe room or sanctuary within the home.
The room has a solid core door and additional locks are fitted together with the installation of a personal protection alarm where those in danger can send out an SOS and wait safely for the police to arrive.
The measures aim to deter the perpetrator, who no longer lives there, from any repeat incidents.
Since its launch the scheme has helped over eighty victims of domestic abuse to stay in their own homes. This has included more than 90 children ranging from nine-months-old up to aged 17.
MARAC (Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference), set up in June last year, also refers many very high-risk domestic violence victims into the scheme. Coun Joanne Bell, Lead Member for Innovation and Safer and Stronger Communities, said: “For many victims escaping domestic violence means having to leave their home and support network of family and friends at a time when they are most vulnerable. There is also added disruption of taking their children and moving away, and the worry of becoming homeless.
“The Sanctuary Scheme offers victims the alternative option to remain in their home, a place where they can feel safe and secure and stay close to this valuable support network.
“The initiative is proving to be really successful with feedback from those who have used the scheme being extremely positive. This is very encouraging as it shows that victims are gaining confidence and they are feeling less vulnerable and safer within their homes.”
The scheme is delivered by South Tyneside Council working in partnership with South Tyneside Homes, Northumbria Police, the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service and domestic violence agencies such as Options, Places for People Women’s Refuge and Women’s Health in South Tyneside.
Private housing associations, Cheviot Housing, NomadE5 and the Home Group also support the scheme, as well as KNW (Keep Newcastle Warm), which carries out the security installations to all properties other than those managed by South Tyneside Homes.
The scheme is available free to all victims of domestic violence who need this extra support, and is tailored to meet the needs of the individual involved.
Detective Inspector John Bent, who heads South Tyneside Area Command’s Public Protection Unit, said: “Many domestic violence victims not only suffer physical and mental abuse but also lose their homes because they no longer feel safe and secure in their environment. The Sanctuary Scheme is putting a stop to this by giving practical support to enable victims of domestic abuse to stay in their own homes and be safe.
“This project is a lifeline for many sufferers and Northumbria Police will continue to work closely with victims and will always seek to put offenders before the court so they are appropriately dealt with. We want offenders to know that we will take a hard line on anyone accused of committing domestic abuse.
“I also want to reassure victims that their complaints will be dealt with in a sympathetic manner and thoroughly investigated. Stopping domestic violence and bringing offenders to justice is a priority for South Tyneside Area Command and Northumbria Police as a whole. We will continue to work with our partners on schemes such as this to bring offenders to justice and give support to victims.”
Anyone who is experiencing, or knows of someone who is experiencing, domestic violence abuse can call the Domestic Violence Team at South Tyneside Council on (0191) 424 7389 or the Homeless Prevention Team on (0191) 424 6430.
