A new scheme aimed at protecting victims of domestic violence is set to be unveiled by ministers.
A new scheme aimed at protecting victims of domestic violence is set to be unveiled by ministers.
The "sanctuary scheme" will provide money to create a room in which women can be secure within their own homes and be able to call the police.
The "sanctuary scheme" will provide money to create a room in which women can be secure within their own homes and be able to call the police.
Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly is to announce £74m will fund the provision of rooms equipped with alarms and CCTV.
Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly is to announce £74m will fund the provision of rooms equipped with alarms and CCTV.
The aim is to give victims the confidence to remain in their own homes rather than flee to temporary housing.
Sandra Horley, of Refuge, said the project must deal with the wider issue of domestic violence.
The aim of the scheme is to give victims the confidence to remain in their own homes rather than flee to temporary housing.
The funding to be announced will be used by local authorities to provide safe rooms equipped with mortice locks, reinforced doors and security lights.
The funding to be announced will be used by local authorities to provide safe rooms equipped with mortice locks, reinforced doors and security lights.
Addresses with safe rooms will be flagged up on police computers to ensure a swift response in the event of a violent incident.
Addresses with safe rooms will be flagged up on police computers to ensure a swift response in the event of a violent incident.
Under the initiative, the rooms would only be set up at the request of the victim, and only if the violent partner no longer lived at the property.
Under the initiative, the rooms would only be set up at the request of the victim, and only if the violent partner no longer lived at the property.
The scheme has already been operated on a trial basis in a number of local authorities.
The scheme has already been operated on a trial basis in a number of local authorities.
Officials say 90% of victims of domestic violence support the move.
Safe haven
Minister for Women and Equality, Meg Munn said the rooms were a choice for women who needed security and reassurance.
"It's important that it's part of a range of support, it's not just about providing a room and not doing anything else.
"Of course, taking somebody to court is enormously important but women get very frightened, they perhaps have been threatened, it may well be that there's insufficient evidence for somebody to be taken to court.
"This will work for some women but not for all women. It's been tested in some areas and 90% of women are satisfied with that and it's enabled them to feel safer and lead a more normal life."
Mrs Horley, who is the chief executive of Refuge, said more needed to be done to tackle the perpetrators of domestic violence.
It's important that it's part of a range of support, it's not just about providing a room and not doing anything else Meg Munn, Minister for Women and Equality
"It is very important that it is part of a wider co-ordinated response and just one of the many range of options available to women," she said.
"It does concern me that we don't seem to be working to prevent the problem in the first place.
"If the man is that much of a threat surely the solution is to make sure that he's locked up, if he's convicted.
"The sanctuary scheme doesn't address the perpetrator. It is dangerous to suggest that the best course of action would be for a woman to remain in her home.
"It's not always appropriate for a woman to remain in her house."
Are safe rooms in the home a good idea? Is this the way to tackle domestic violence? Have you been subject to domestic violence? Send us your comments.
