New scheme for domestic violence victims

A NEW project aimed at giving victims of domestic violence a fairer deal has been launched in east Herts.

Harlow and Broxbourne Women's Aid hopes the Stay Safe Floating Support scheme will allow more women to stay in their homes after falling victim to domestic violence, rather than being forced to move into refuges.

The scheme will be funded by a Government grant of up to £53,000 a year from April 1 and will run indefinitely.

In the meantime the funding will come from the district council's housing benefit coffers.

Assistant outreach director Alain Shears said: "Lots of women come into a refuge then relocate to another area or stay in the same area and don't feel safe. We want to try and help them stay where they are."

Strategies include safety planning where a risk assessment is carried out and advice given on what needs to be changed to improve an individual's safety.

Police may be brought in to give advice on home security, and other agencies such as counsellors and social services may be brought in where their expertise is needed.

Mrs Shears added: "There's a whole range of options and it will be tailored to each woman's needs."

12:37 Thursday 30th January 2003

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