£100,000 for domestic abuse survivors to get ‘DIY injunctions’ and ‘Sanctuary Schemes’
A £100,000 scheme will help domestic abuse survivors in Hackney and the City of London get ‘DIY Injunctions’ to access court orders against perpetrators quickly, effectively at little cost.
In Hackney approximately 80 victims / survivors and their families will be safer through ‘Sanctuary Schemes’ that ensures flats and houses are made more secure through measures such as alarm systems, improved lighting and reinforced windows and doors. The City of London already operates a robust Sanctuary Scheme, being able to maximise the safety of 10 families.
Changes to Legal Aid have made it harder for women to receive legal help to obtain injunctions against perpetrators of domestic abuse. In order to obtain justice, many survivors now need to obtain court orders themselves – ‘DIY Injunctions’.
The DCLG grant will also be used to specially train and resource around 120 dedicated domestic abuse advocates and managers in key frontline services in the health, social care, criminal justice and the voluntary sector across Hackney and the City of London to help survivors obtain ‘DIY Injunctions’ and court orders. Survivors will be guided through the court process at very little cost to them and will receive protection from court orders which, if breached, will lead to the arrest and prosecution of perpetrators.
This specialist DIY Injunction training will also be given to domestic abuse advocates from Hackney, Newham, Waltham Forest and Tower Hamlets who support victims and survivors whose cases are heard at the East London Specialist Domestic Violence Court. The Specialist Domestic Violence Court is a partnership between the four neighbouring boroughs which aims to make sure that offenders are brought to justice more effectively.
Domestic abuse is not OK and it will not be tolerated here in Hackney. Supporting survivors of domestic abuse is our main focus and by strengthening security we can help more families feel safer and enable them stay in their own homes. Making it easier to get injunctions and court orders also means that victims are protected and perpetrators can be apprehended and prosecuted.
An additional 140 staff across Hackney and City of London’s domestic abuse, health, social care, criminal justice and voluntary sector will be given training about honour-based violence and forced marriage that will help ensure that professionals are able to recognise complex issues of violence against women and girls and help ensure victims and survivors receive the help they need.
Henry Pollard, Chairman of the City of London’s Corporation’s Safer City Partnership, said: “Working with Hackney Council we are stronger together. This grant will help us remove barriers for people experiencing domestic abuse and help them to improve their safety. We are assisting those on the front line to provide the care, support and protection people experiencing domestic abuse need.”
Services available in Hackney include a confidential helpline 0800 056 0905 (free from a landline) or 020 8356 4459 and available 9.00am to 5pm, Monday to Friday) for one-to-one support and professional advice.
There are also facilities for counselling for victims of trauma and Hackney as part of the East London Special Domestic Violence Court.
Women can also find safe havens through support groups where they can talk, listen, think and plan. Many offer emergency accommodation for them and their children, and all of them offer confidential, one-to-one support that is sympathetic to their situation.
Hackney and City of London have been awarded the funding from the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) following a joint bid to help victims / survivors of domestic abuse live safely in their homes.