Safe place for women under threat

FENLAND women at risk from domestic violence will be offered the chance to have a safe room in their own home. The rooms could be set up within the next three months following the new Government initiative to help victims feel sufficiently secure and conf

FENLAND women at risk from domestic violence will be offered the chance to have a safe room in their own home.

The rooms could be set up within the next three months following the new Government initiative to help victims feel sufficiently secure and confident to stay in their own homes.

It is hoped the sanctuary scheme will help stop women and their families becoming uprooted and homeless. It will be available to those who own their own homes as well as privately or social rented.

Under the scheme a room can be fitted with safety measures including alarms, mortice locks, security lights, reinforced door frames, emergency lights and CCTV.

Fenland is one of 31 local authorities in the East of England planning to introduce safe rooms within weeks.

The addresses with the rooms will be flagged on police computers to ensure a quick response if an incident occurs. Courts will also help with non-molestation orders, occupation orders, and transfer of tenancy. Another part of the strategy the Government has in place is a stepping up of prosecutions of those who carry out acts of violence.

Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly said: "The Government is determined to do more to prevent victims of domestic violence being driven form their own homes, as well as stepping up prosecutions of perpetrators.

"Sanctuary schemes have been proven to prevent homelessness by giving people the security and confidence to stay in their own home, where it's their choice and police experts agree it's a safe option.