Safe accommodation
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 placed a legal duty on all Local Authorities to provide safe accommodation for any person who is harmed by domestic abuse. There is a clear definition within the Act of what constitutes safe/relevant accommodation and accommodation support
Households at risk of domestic abuse often have to leave their homes because of the risk of repeat incidents of abuse. Refuges and other forms of safe accommodation can provide a safe and supportive environment for households fleeing domestic abuse. .
In brief, safe/relevant accommodation can include refuge, specialist safe accommodation, dispersed accommodation, sanctuary schemes, or move on/second stage accommodation. Temporary accommodation such as hotels does not constitute safe accommodation.
A Sanctuary Scheme is a multi-agency person centred initiative which aims to enable households at risk of domestic abuse to remain safely in their own homes by installing a ‘Sanctuary’ in the home and through the provision of support to the household. A ‘Sanctuary’ comprises enhanced security measures designed to enable households to remain safely in their homes. Alongside these physical safety measures specialist domestic abuse support will be provided.
Cheshire West safe accommodation model
The safe accommodation model in Cheshire West and Chester is:
- Refuge
- Dispersed properties
- Sanctuary Scheme
Refuge/Dispersed
Cheshire West and Chester has commissioned safe accommodation provision for many years. This is made up of a group living refuge and dispersed properties. Although the Act acknowledges the critical role of refuge in providing safety and support, particularly to those victims at high risk of serious harm, the government recognises that those harmed by domestic abuse may need to live in a variety of different forms of relevant safe accommodation. Dispersed properties are homes across the borough ranging from one-bedroom flats to three-bedroom family homes. The model ensures that there is provision for men fleeing domestic abuse and those with protected characteristics.
Sanctuary Scheme
Many people do not wish to leave their homes or choose to return to their homes after a short stay in temporary accommodation despite the risks. Sanctuary Schemes are an additional accommodation option for people at risk of domestic abuse which can, where suitable and appropriate, offer households the choice of remaining in their homes.
A Sanctuary Scheme is where we have provided target hardening to enable someone to remain in their own home and feel safe from harm whilst receiving ongoing support. It supports the prevention of homelessness and the upheaval of moving home, away from family/friends/support networks. It can avoid and reduce repeat victimisation by improving home security. It can also reduce the fear of crime for the person harmed by domestic abuse. It also acts as a deterrent to the person who harms.
It is important to note that the Homelessness duty begins as soon as someone is accommodated in safe accommodation. In some cases, a homelessness prevention duty may commence as soon as someone is at risk of homelessness (within 56 days, a s195 prevention duty). This would of course potentially be in place before the someone was homeless and before the offer of Safe Accommodation is made and or accepted.