Sanctuary Scheme

Quick exit to Google What is the Sanctuary Scheme?

Great Yarmouth Borough Councils Sanctuary Scheme aims to help victim survivors of domestic abuse to remain in their own homes and feel safe after the perpetrator has been removed. This is done by providing security measures to a property such as reinforced doors and video surveillance, we call this 'target hardening'.

Sanctuary Scheme is not an emergency measure and if you are at risk during the process then temporary alternative accommodation should be sought whilst Sanctuary measures are put in place. An allocated domestic abuse advisor will be able to explore options with you.

What to expect from the Sanctuary Scheme

The Sanctuary Scheme is tailored to accommodate individual needs and circumstances. The security recommendations may include the following:

• additional locks on doors and windows
• re-enforced exterior doors
• fire safety equipment
• video doorbells or CCTV.

If your referral is accepted, there is no cost to you for Sanctuary Scheme measures.

Quick exit to Google Anyone who is at risk of homelessness due to domestic abuse.The scheme is open to all victim survivors of domestic abuse, including council, housing association and private tenants but landlord consent is required. We will also need to inform your landlord of any Sanctuary Scheme measures. If we are not granted permission to share this information we will be unable to proceed with a referral.

We cannot install Sanctuary measures if the perpetrator of the domestic abuse is living in your property or has a legal right to live in your property. Please contact the Councils Housing Options Team on 01493 846140 and we can provide further advice.

Quick exit to Google We can only consider referrals with full consent of the person being referred.  All referrals should be made directly to the Sanctuary scheme co-coordinator. Self-referrals are accepted and referral from any agency.

If the applicant is not felt to be suitable for Sanctuary Scheme measures, the referring agency will be informed in writing.

What does the referral process involve?

Once a referral is received, we will make contact to arrange an appointment to assess if the Sanctuary Scheme can offer you the protection required. During this appointment the Sanctuary Coordinator will ask for more detailed information about you and the history of abuse. This appointment will help determine if the Sanctuary will be appropriate for you.

If it is assessed the Sanctuary Scheme can offer a satisfactory level of protection, we will need to carry out a survey of your property to assess what safety measures are required.

We aim to install safety measures within 72 hours of the survey being completed.

Quick exit to Google If you would like to refer yourself or would like to refer a friend or family member you can complete our online referral form. Please include as much information as you can. If you are completing the form on behalf of someone else please ensure they have given their full consent to the referral.

Alternatively, you can complete the referral process with a specialist domestic abuse advisor by attending Greyfriars House. Appointments are not necessary, however if you would like a specific time please contact in advance of arrival.

If you are a professional working with a victim-survivor please download the referral form. Completed referral forms should be sent to sanctuary@great-yarmouth.gov.uk.

• The Sanctuary Scheme co-ordinator will monitor the effectiveness of measures after three months and again after six months.
• Safety equipment will be removed if it is assessed that it is no longer required, however other works done will be left once installed.
• Safety measures will only be installed at a property once the scheme has confirmation that the applicant has the right to occupy that address and has permission from the owner of that property.
• Properties with Sanctuary Scheme measures will be flagged with the emergency services as 'at risk'. This means that if a 999 call is made from a property, the emergency service operator can see that Sanctuary measures have been installed and will respond appropriately. If the level of risk reduces, these flags will be reviewed and removed.

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