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Background
On the 1st September 2007 Purbeck
District Council launched its Sanctuary Scheme. The
Scheme has been developed to prevent homelessness in domestic
violence cases and prevent repeat cases of homelessness wherever
possible. The Scheme is part of the Dorset Sanctuary Scheme
developed in partnership with the Dorset Borough and District
Councils, Dorset Police, Dorset Fire and Rescue Services,
domestic violence service providers and the Dorset County Council’s
Domestic Violence Strategic Co-ordinator.
How does the scheme work?
Many victims of domestic violence do not want
to move. They want to stay close to friends and family and not
disrupt their lives and those of
their children.This Scheme provides victims
with the
opportunity to stay in their own home when
they wish to and it is appropriate to do so, with the provision of
additional security measures.
The main feature of the Scheme is the creation
of a safe room or “sanctuary” within the home. As part of the
Scheme it is also possible to
provide improved security and reassurance
without creating a sanctuary room. Each Sanctuary Scheme is
tailored to meet the
needs of the individual involved.
Who is eligible?
Sanctuary Schemes are available to men and
women living in the Purbeck District Council area, with or
without children,
who are victims of violence or domestic
violence.
They are available to people who own or rent
their homes, providing the property is physically suitable and it
can be established that the perpetrator of the violence is no
longer living in the home and is not likely to return. However,
people who rent their home will need their landlord’s consent for
the work to be carried out.
The District Council must to be satisfied that
without the Sanctuary Scheme the victim would be likely to become
homeless.
If a Sanctuary Scheme is requested the victim
must be willing to let the Police be informed of their situation as
the Crime Reduction Officer
will assess the suitability of the property
and the security measures required.
Is the Scheme voluntary or
compulsory?
The Scheme is voluntary. It is always the
victim’s decision to go ahead or not, and support will be available
to assist the victim both prior to installation and after.
Who can make referrals?
Referrals can be made by key local
agencies that work with victims of domestic violence including
the Police, Social Services and
voluntary groups.
Who pays for the work?
Most sanctuary schemes will be free of
charge to victims of domestic violence who live in Purbeck
District Council area with the funding provided by the Council.
Contact Details:
Fiona Brown