A new scheme to prevent those experiencing violence or domestic abuse becoming homeless by improving security at their home is now underway.
The innovative approach to both protect those experiencing domestic violence and prevent homelessness follows an agreement with Safe Partnership, a specialist provider able to complete works to secure a resident’s home. Whilst there are instances where the appropriate course of action for someone is to move to an alternative place of safety there are also circumstances sometimes where it is possible and beneficial for someone to remain in their existing home.
As part of the Safe Partnership and Council’s Sanctuary Scheme, the aim is to make the homes of victims and survivors of violence and abuse safe and secure so that they and their families can remain in their own homes, alleviating the disruption of relocating and allows them to retain the support of professional services, their family and the community when they are at their most vulnerable.
Councillor Peter Morgan, Executive Councillor for Renewal, Recreation and Housing said, “We are tackling homelessness on many levels and sometimes when we are approached, it becomes apparent that the reason someone is on the verge of being homeless is that they are not safe. This is a sensitive area where lots of potential solutions are needed, including working with the Police. This is something we can tackle and is yet another example where doing the right thing and helping residents protect themselves, is not just cost effective but also directly prevents homelessness and all the difficulties that comes with this.”
A range of work can be undertaken, with residents being referred to Safe Partnership, a not for profit organisation, where fully trained staff, who all have enhanced DBS checks in place, are able to fit a range of protective measures.
Once assessments and surveys have been completed, solutions can include installing locking points, door chain and viewer to the front door; locking points to back and side doors; window locks on ground floor windows; locking devises to upstairs windows that give access from extensions etc. Where this proves needed, window shock alarms and wrist alarms can also be installed and distributed, with landlord permission being sought by Safe Partnership where