Safe Partnership Sanctuary scheme

We’re working to keep victims and survivors of domestic abuse safe

One of the important tools we have available to support our customers who are victims or survivors of domestic abuse, is the Safe Partnership scheme, which is funded through Hyde Foundation.

The scheme enables us to make referrals for Safe Partnership to attend a customer’s home to do a home security check, and possibly install additional security measures. This provides practical support and reassurance, improving security to a customer’s home at a time when they feel vulnerable and unsafe.

Tenancy Officer, Allison, explains more:

“I've been using our Safe Partnership Sanctuary scheme for customers who are at risk of domestic abuse and want to remain living at the property, whilst they explore their other housing options. This includes helping with priority move bidding on Jigsaw or mutual exchange.”

Allison shares details of two cases, which highlight the importance of this scheme.

Kayleigh

“Kayleigh* had been in an abusive relationship with the father of her four children and lives in a house tucked away in a cul de sac, backing onto dense woods.

She had to call the police several times as her ex-partner kept loitering in the woods and had attempted to climb over her fence into her back garden. He kept sending her threatening texts saying he would kill himself if she didn’t allow him in.

He also sent their six year old daughter a video of himself with matches, threatening to set himself on fire if she would not let him move back home.

The perpetrator was sectioned and whilst he was on remand in prison, I was able to get Kayleigh onto our Priority Move list, and I also helped her to look for a mutual exchange.

Unfortunately, despite finding a swap partner, her request was declined due to rent arrears. So, I made an appeal and referral to Hyde Foundation money and debt, and Keyleigh was supported with a rent payment plan and told this would not be a barrier to her exchanging in the future.

In the meantime, I arranged a home security check with Safe Partnership as her abuser had been released from prison and she was very scared.

Safe Partnership visited and fitted window and door shock alarms and a fireproof letterbox. I visited her recently to do the inspection and see the alarms at work for myself. She was delighted that she can progress with moving, whilst at the same time feeling very safe in her current home, thanks to the security measures we’ve put in place.”

Kali

“Kali* was being stalked by her ex-partner, even though she had obtained a non-molestation order against him. I put her on our Priority Move list over a year ago, but it was very difficult for her to find a suitable alternative property in the area she wanted to live in.

She was willing to move outside the immediate area, but could not go too far due to her son’s college course. I discussed mutual exchange with her and arranged for a Safe Partnership home security check, whilst she remained living at her home.

Safe Partnership attended and fitted extra locks on her front door as well as a fireproof letterbox. I spoke to the police who agreed to fit a video doorbell as well.

Kali found a swap partner in a location which was deemed to be a suitable distance away to make her feel safer and for her son to continue with his studies at college, and finally exchanged homes in September.”

*We’ve changed our customers’ names to protect their identity.

See more information and resources.

If you or anyone you know is experiencing domestic abuse you can access help and support from the National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247.

If you or others are in immediate danger, phone the police on 999.