Published: Thursday, 5th March, 2009 1:00pm

Sanctuary for victims of domestic abuse

by Inderdeep Bains

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AN innovative scheme has been launched to help victims of domestic abuse to stay safe in their own home.

Sanctuary - launched last week to coincide with International Women's Day on Sunday (08/03) - provides practical security measures ranging from window and door locks to grilles on windows and a 'safe room', depending on need and the risk posed.

A partnership between the Royal Borough, Maidenhead and District Housing Association and Thames Valley Police, Sanctuary aims to help local residents affected by domestic abuse stay safe in their own homes, rather than seek temporary accommodation or declare themselves homeless.

Cllr Colin Rayner, lead member for highways and streetcare (which includes community safety), said: "We must do all we can to ensure that victims feel and are safe on their own home. This scheme should ensure that our vulnerable residents can enjoy a life free from fear of violence. I would like to thank Maidenhead and District Housing Association for supporting this unfortunately much needed scheme."

The scheme is available free of charge to those who are experiencing domestic abuse in their homes or who have experienced threats of violence or abuse likely to be carried out and who by remaining at home without additional security would be likely to become homeless or be put at high risk of harm.

A spokesman for Maidenhead and District Housing Association said: "The safety and security of people living in fear of violence is of paramount importance. Where it is practicable for them to remain in their home, we will make every effort to provide additional security measures."

People affected by domestic abuse, or who want to find out more about the scheme, should contact the Thames Valley Police domestic abuse unit on 0845 8505505 or visit the borough's domestic abuse forum's website www.rbwmdvf.org.uk