Sanctuary Scheme
If the fear of domestic violence is making you think about moving, the sanctuary scheme could make it possible for you to stay living safely in your own home if the perpetrator no longer lives there.
The scheme is free and removes the fear of living at home by installing extra security to the property, which can include:
- Window locks
- New door locks
- Panic alarms
- Fire security equipment
- The set up of a sanctuary room, which acts as a safe room (where victims can call and wait for the Police). The door to the room will be replaced with a solid door, which can only be opened from the inside.
The sanctuary scheme is tailored to accommodate the needs and circumstances of each individual. A Crime Prevention Officer from Northumbria Police (in partnership with other services, such as the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, when necessary) carries out a risk assessment of the property and recommends the security measures needed.
Benefits of the scheme
- Ongoing support
- No need to move home
- No need to transfer children to another school
- No need to change address
- No need to change doctors, dentists and other services
- No need to move away from surrounding family and friends
Is the scheme suitable for you?
The sanctuary scheme may be able to help if you feel unsafe and unable to continue living in your home without the added security because of the risk of domestic violence.
You can be considered for the scheme if you own your own home or rent from either a private landlord or a housing association. If you rent, permission to carry out any work must be given by the landlord or housing association.
If you own your own home jointly with the perpetrator, you will need to seek legal advice. No work can be carried out on a property where the perpetrator has a legal right to live.
Find out more
We've made a leaflet about the Sanctuary Scheme which contains information on how to apply and has a list of useful contact numbers of organisations who can help:
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