Domestic abuse

Image of Living Without Fear leaflet front coverHelp for victims of domestic abuse

Domestic abuse accounts for around one-quarter of all violent crime in Surrey Heath. A major priority for the Safer Surrey Heath Partnership is to increase the numbers of people coming forward to seek help and support for domestic related incidents, and to reduce the number of repeat victims.

Outreach Service

Surrey Women's Aid (SWA) has employed an outreach worker for Surrey Heath since September 2003, offering practical help and emotional support, as well as advice about housing rights, the legal system, relationships and separation, safety planning and support for children. In April 2008, the Partnership agreed to continue its annual grant towards funding an outreach worker for Surrey Heath.

The SWA outreach team offers a multi-agency response through joint working with local police, social services, health and other statutory and voluntary agencies where appropriate. This includes referral to the Sanctuary Scheme via Surrey Heath Borough Council (see below). Outreach users have also benefited from parenting courses and self-esteem courses with crèche facilities. Informal support groups are also offered. The team supports all victims/survivors of domestic abuse regardless of age, race or gender.

To talk to someone about domestic abuse, ring SWA's 24-hour helpline on 01483 776822. You can also email help@surreywomensaid.org.uk or visit www.surreywomensaid.org.uk

Sanctuary Scheme

The Surrey Heath Sanctuary Scheme protects victims of domestic violence from becoming homeless, by providing additional security in the home. Funded by the Safer Surrey Heath Partnership, it is a joint project between SWA, Surrey Police, Surrey Heath Borough Council's housing team and Camberley Care. It provides a safe room, or sanctuary, within a home fitted with extra safety measures.

Following a referral from SWA, Surrey Police will carry out a risk assessment before passing on security measures instructions to Camberley Care. The process will be completed as quickly as possible, normally within four days. Security work can range from simple lock changes and window security to a 'full sanctuary' where a room in the home is fitted with a reinforced door, mortice locks, steel hinges and security bolts - as well as the appropriate alarms and communication lines. This gives the victim the confidence and security to stay in their own home if they wish, in cases where the abusive partner no longer lives there.

Since the Sanctuary Scheme began in Surrey Heath in 2005, it has helped around 20 families a year remain in their own homes. The scheme is available to victims of domestic abuse across all tenures, from those renting privately or from a housing association to owner-occupiers.

Useful numbers

In an emergency call 999

For a copy of the Safer Surrey Heath Partnership's leaflet, Live Without Fear, telephone 01276 707359 or email nicola.collinson@surreyheath.gov.uk. Alternatively, download a PDF copy from this site under 'Crime Prevention Advice'.

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