Target Hardening
The Sanctuary scheme also known as target hardening aims to reduce homelessness by enabling victims (where safe and appropriative) to stay in their own home. Many victims do not want to flee their homes or the area where they live as their support networks are there and their children are settled. The Scheme aims to improve security by replacing locks, installing window locks and alarms and putting in measure to reduce the risk of fires.
The scheme works slightly differently in each area and may involve resources from the district councils. This service is not restricted to those in rented or local authority housing. You can also access this service if you own your own home.
For more information and to access this service please contact the Oxfordshire Domestic Abuse Helpline 0800 731 0055
Oxfordshire’s independent domestic violence adviser service
The Oxfordshire Domestic Violence Advisor service was established in January 2008 and has the leading role, on behalf of the Oxfordshire Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARAC), to work with victims at high risk and coordinate safety plans around them. The Independent Domestic Violence Advisers (IDVAs) are trained specialists whose goal is the safety of survivors of domestic violence, ultimately to help them and their children move safely towards living violence free lives.
The IDVA service works with clients of both sexes who have been identified as high risk and referred from a Multi agency risk assessment conference (MARAC).
The support is intended to be a short/medium term service in place to reduce the risk of further domestic violence and the emotional effects caused by it.
A risk assessment needs to be carried out so we can form an appropriate safety plan.
IDVAs can assist with issues arising as a result of domestic abuse, such as support through the court process and advocacy with housing issues.
IDVAs are independent from all agencies to ensure the best possible support and advice is offered to each survivor.
All clients are treated with respect, dignity and sensitivity. IDVAs respect the diversity of all communities and work to ensure all survivors have access to the services they need.
In order to provide the best possible help they may need to share information with other agencies, but this is only on a need to know basis to achieve the best outcome for you.
