18th April 2007
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS CAN BE SAFE AT HOME
THE Safer Stockton Partnership is about to launch its 'Safe at Home' scheme, in line with Government directive, to offer a sanctuary scheme to victims of domestic violence.
The scheme, which is to be launched on Thursday, April 19, will offer more extensive security measures to victims of domestic violence to allow them to stay in there own home, when it is safe to do so, and when it is their preferred option.
The Community Safety Team will provide the service working closely with Police Crime Prevention Officers who will decide on what measures should be used for each case.
Current measures include dusk-till-dawn exterior lighting, five lever door locks, window locks, door viewers and chains.
Now the Partnership can offer a 'safe room' within the house. This involves the installation of a solid core fire door with smoke seals and installed in such a way as to open outwardly, cannot be kicked-in and can be securely locked. Mobile phones can also be issued.
The scheme is an extension of a current scheme offering vulnerable people and repeat victims of dwelling burglary security measures to improve security in their own home.
North Tees Women's Aid will be providing free Domestic Violence training to the contractors involved in the scheme.
Nationally, domestic violence is a factor in one in eight of all new cases of homelessness nationally, and one in seven cases in Stockton. Accounting for around 13,000 homeless households nationally a year.
Community Safety Manager, Marilyn Davies, said: "It is important for people in a vulnerable position are given the opportunity to remain in their home even when they are victims of harassment.
"This project runs alongside of the enforcement work that is also carried out by the Community Safety Team as well as making victims feel safer in the knowledge that we will tackle the offenders who victimise them."