Overview

Sanctuary schemes support women experiencing domestic violence and children to remain safely in their home, through the implementation of a "safety framework" involving law enforcement and other community actors, while removing the perpetrator from the space. The legislative framework should protect a woman’s right to remain in the home and allow for removal of the perpetrator.

Sanctuary schemes are developed to address individual needs, informed by a full case-specific risk assessment covering the type and condition of the property, and the needs and circumstances of the household. They are only a reasonable option if the assessment indicates that remaining in the home or community is not too dangerous for the woman and her children.

The level and duration of support needed by women using sanctuary schemes will vary, from minimal security monitoring to intensive specialist assistance. Support needs are likely to change over time, and should be carefully monitored on an ongoing basis (i.e. at least every three months) to ensure a survivor’s safety is maintained.

Interventions should exist within a continuum of support that includes prevention, protection and judicial services.

To ensure consistency of services offered, it is important to engage and maintain a level of commitment by all staff, volunteers and core agencies. There is often high turnover within both collaborating agencies and internally, which can interrupt the effectiveness of service.

Educational campaigns can be essential in ensuring women are informed of the option to stay in their homes if they so choose and to gain community support. This can be achieved with contributions from funders, state agencies, clubs and other organizations.

Core elements of this model include:

• Working with the property owner to enhance security with specific safety measures for the residence and implementation of safety equipment, where possible, such as:
  • Extra locks on exterior doors;
  • Reinforced windows using bars, grills, locks, an extra layer or lamination;
  • Fire retardant letter boxes;
  • Smoke detectors and fire safety equipment;
  • Alarms (e.g. on windows/doors, or systems connected to police or private security companies);
  • Intercom equipment;
  • Video entry systems;
  • Security lighting, such as added external lights;
  • External alterations, such as cutting trees or large plants that can be used as a hiding place, particularlyaround doors and windows; and building fences and gates to prevent entry onto the property.

• A multi-agency coordinated response that assists women to remain safe both in their homes and in the community by employing:
  • Legal injunctions (such as orders of protection or restraining order that requires the abuser to move out immediately and/or to stay away from the home).
  • Criminal sanctions.
  • Personal alarms using Global Positioning System technology.
  • Safety plans and strategies that consider ways to address risks associated with remaining in the home and community, such as:
    • Creating new routes to work or school that are not known to the perpetrator and frequently changing routes so that patterns cannot be identified.
    • Avoiding isolated areas/routes and minimizing travel alone after dark.
    • Informing trustworthy community members such as school officials, employers, and neighbours (such as the landlord, property manager, or security officer) about the situation and safety needs, providing them with copies of restraining orders, a picture of the abuser and if relevant, their vehicle, asking them to call police if they see the abuser near the home.
    • Planning for an emergency response (i.e. designating an alternative safe space to call and wait for police).
    • Ensuring access to a phone during emergency situations by keeping a phone in a room that locks from the inside, or keeping a cell phone in an accessible hiding place, and programming all phones with emergency contact numbers.
    • Packing a bag with all essential items needed to temporarily relocate. It is necessary and keep the bag in a safe location that is not accessible to the abuser (i.e. friend's home, work).
    • Planning and practicing escape routes, including children if needed. Arranging with trustworthy neighbours to have a communication signal (such as turning a particular light on during the day) or a code word or phrase that informs them that help is needed.
  • Civil remedies.
  • Police support (e.g. providing information on the option to remain in the home or requesting police presence when the abuser picks up personal belongings after being ordered out of the home).                                             

  For example, in New South Wales, Australia, police are given a checklist and information card with contact information for different service agencies, including the option to stay in their homes. This is shared with survivors when police respond to cases of domestic violence, and helps to promote appropriate and survivor-driven follow-up to incidents of abuse (Flinders Institute for Housing, Urban and Regional Research, 2008).                                                                                                                                         

  • Timely response to incidents.
  • Monitoring security equipment and features to ensure they remain working. Joint planning with survivors if the sanctuary is no longer required or is no longer a safe option (i.e. identifying and preparing for shelter or other temporary accommodation).
  • Joint planning with survivors if the sanctuary is no longer required or is no longer a safe option (i.e. identifying and preparing for shelter or other temporary accommodation).