Sanctuary Scheme

The Sanctuary Scheme is an initiative which will allow and empower people experiencing domestic abuse to continue living at home in safety, rather than move house to escape harassment. This maintains social and support mechanisms, e.g. social and family contacts and school attendance. It is additionally more cost effective than refuge provision or temporary accommodation. Finally it is a means ensuring that the perpetrator remains excluded rather than the targeted family.

Partnerships that survey victims of domestic violence who have had a sanctuary installed record that the victims do feel safer. Often these are victims who have previously had to move several times, disrupting their lives and the lives of any children. The following are two examples from victims who have requested sanctuary security.

 I dont think I would have been able to cope without it. Everyone has been really amazing. You dont realise how much help is out there. My children and I are free and safe again.

Since the locks have been fitted I feel a great deal safer. It is just so reassuring to be able to turn the lock and know that the front door cannot be kicked in. My son has, for the first time in a number of months returned to sleep in his own room and we are both a lot happier.              (Quotes from clients of the West Cornwall Sanctuary project)

The main feature of a sanctuary is the creation of a Sanctuary Room, which consists of having an internal door replaced with a solid core door, reversing it to open outwards, so that the door jamb acts as an additional barrier. Two mortice bolts, three steel hinges, hinge bolts and a door viewer are also added. Additional security can be provided, i.e. locks on windows and doors, grilles, gates, fire escape ladders and anti arson letterboxes. Every Sanctuary Project would be tailored to accommodate the needs and circumstances of the individuals involved. The security recommendations generally fall into three categories:

(i) Sanctuary  this is where a door to a main room, generally the master bedroom, is replaced with a solid core door and reversed to open outwards. Two mortice bolts are fitted to the inside of the door, one at the top and one at the bottom, along with three large steel hinges, hinge bolts and a 180 degree door viewer. This provides a safe room or Sanctuary for victims to call for and await the arrival of police. Fire safety equipment is also provided.

(ii) Sanctuary Plus  this would normally have all of the above elements plus additional security features, i.e. grilles, extra Sanctuary doors to the front and rear of the property, London and Birmingham bars, and window locks.

(iii) Sanctuary Minus  this does not include a safe room, but could include a number of the other security options described in (ii), i.e. changing window locks and door locks, etc. In the majority of cases, fire safety equipment is also provided, which includes smoke detectors, break glass hammers and collapsible fire escape ladders from the Sanctuary room.

The Sanctuary Project is not limited to Council or Housing Association tenants and includes any person, who is threatened with homelessness due to domestic abuse, hate crime or other violence. It is essential that the relationship with the perpetrator has ended, and they have no legal access to the property. Experience locally and nationally suggests that sanctuary is an option for a limited number of people. Many people will choose to move address, or sanctuary will not be an option for them. Of this number there will be an even smaller percentage for whom sanctuary plus will meet their assessed need. The pilot will enable a thorough understanding of the level of demand and need across the borough and between housing tenures.

WHO CAN MAKE REFERRALS?
The Homeless and Housing Advice service will make the majority of referrals, as individuals will be presenting to the service as potentially homeless. However, other agencies will be able to make referrals to the Sanctuary Scheme.
A number of key agencies involved with tackling domestic abuse can make referrals. These are:

" Police Public Protection Unit
  (who deal with hate crime)
" Berneslai Homes
" BSARCH
" BADAS
" Pathways
" Social Services
" Housing Associations
" Safer Neighbourhood Team/ Tenancy Enforcement Team
" Victim Support

WHAT ARE THE CRITERIA OF THE SCHEME?
The criteria are straightforward. The service is available, regardless of whether the victim is a man or woman with a family or on his or her own. It is available free of charge to victims regardless of type of tenure. The criteria are that:

" Without the work the victim would be likely to become homeless
" The perpetrator no longer lives in the home
" The individual has rights of occupation (as tenant or owner)
" Signed agreement from the landlord (if applicable)
" There will be no grounds for the abuser to contest

TIMESCALES
A sanctuary scheme should not be considered an emergency response. It is important that the person is safe while options are being considered. Emergency accommodation or staying with friends or family may be required. Experience in other authorities suggests that from referral to completed work usually takes up to 2 weeks, although the process can be speeded up if required.

BENEFITS
" Avoiding families having to move (possibly repeatedly) and subsequent disruption
" Reduced voids in properties
" Reduced damage and management issues with property
" Enable family support structures to remain
" People feel safer and less isolated
" Reduce Homelessness

In all cases those making referrals will need to ensure that the sanctuary scheme is suitable for individuals needs and that people are threatened with homelessness. To support agencies, clear referral criteria have been developed and the domestic abuse Development Worker will ensure that agencies are offered guidance in its use.

To find out more about the Sanctuary Scheme you can either contact Colin Brotherston on 01226 774966, download the brochure on the 'Sanctuary Scheme' by clicking on this link or contact any of the agencies mentioned in this website.