Domestic Violence & Abuse

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Last revised: 1 September 2008

kennet district logohomes at kennet logo

Kennet District Council and homes@kennet

working in partnership with others to reduce the impact of domestic violence

The Sanctuary Scheme is a way of helping people who are victims of domestic violence and ‘hate crime’ to remain in their own homes and feel safe rather than being forced to move to other areas away from their home, friends, employment or schooling.

The scheme is available to anyone who lives in Kennet who is threatened with homelessness due to domestic violence or hate crime.

How the service works

Applicants for the scheme will be interviewed by the Housing Options team at Kennet District Council who will work with the Domestic Violence Unit and the Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust to assess the work needed to make a home safe.

The information discussed will be confidential but work cannot be carried out without the consent of a landlord or home owner. The applicant will be fully consulted and involved throughout and will be able to make choices about how to keep themselves safe.

All the agencies will be working quickly to help the applicant but sometimes a lot of work is needed and the applicant may have to stay in temporary accommodation, with friends or family or a women’s refuge, until it is safe for them to return home.

If you need emergency accommodation because you are fleeing violence you can contact homes@kennet (External link)tel 01380 724911 or Womens Aid on 01905 767333 who will be able to help you.

The sanctuary scheme is a FREE service for you paid for by homes@kennet and partners.

How a sanctuary will be made

Each sanctuary will be made especially for the person who needs it and will take account of the risks that threaten them. The Police and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Services will know the address of every home in the sanctuary scheme so that they can respond quickly to any emergencies.

Usually a sanctuary will include a number of security options such as new door locks, window locks and having fire safety equipment within the home as well as making sure the applicant has contact with a specialist agency like Splitz who can provide appropriate support and advice when it’s needed.

Sometimes the risks are extreme and a ‘safe’ room will be built into the home.

A safe room has secure doors, a 180 degree viewer and a phone linked to emergency services so that the victim and family can safely wait for help to arrive.

Where to get more help and advice about your housing situation

Housing Services and Housing Benefit


Kennet District Council

tel : 01380 724911

email : info@homesatkennet.co.uk (External link)

website : www.homesatkennet.co.uk (External link)

Adult and Community Services


Wiltshire County Council

tel : 01225 713000

email : info@wiltshire.gov.uk

website : www.wiltshire.gov.uk (External link)

Splitz Support Service


For anyone experiencing domestic violence

tel : 0845 600 1945 (local rate)

text: 07793 190022

email: splitz@splitz.org

website : www.splitz.org (External link)

Kennet Citizen’s Advice Bureau


tel : 01380 728771

email : bureau.kennetcab@cabnet.org.uk

website : www.cabwiltshire.org.uk (External link)

Connexions Direct


For young people aged 13-19

tel : 01249 449900

email : chippenham@lcw.uk.com

website : www.connexions-direct.com (External link)

Alabare Drop in Centre


For anyone aged over 16

open : mon/wed/fri 10.00-13.30, Station Road, Devizes

tel : 01380 725443

Kennet Furniture Recycling


tel : 01380 720722

All sorts of furniture wanted and provided for those in need

Shelter


tel : 0117 924 1500

email : info@shelter.org.uk

website : www.england.shelter.org.uk (External link)

FRANK for friendly confidential advice on drugs 24 hours a day


tel : 0800 776600

email : frank@talktofrank.com

website : www.talktofrank.com (External link)

drugsinwiltshire


local support for families and carers of problem drinkers and drug users

www.drugsinwiltshire.org.uk

Bath Area Drugs Advisory Service


tel : 01373 824060

email : admin@badaswiltshire.org

Your support or advice worker or Student Welfare Officer at college will also be able to help

If you would like this document in another language or format, or if you require the services of an interpreter, please contact homes@kennet (External link) on 01380 724911 or email info@homesatkennet.co.uk (External link)