Section: Antisocial Behaviour & Nuisance

Safe Rooms Help Stop Domestic Violence Victims Becoming Homeless

New research and statistics show that whilst domestic violence is one of the major reasons families become homeless, protection measures such as safe rooms are very effective in helping these families to safely stay in their homes.

Under what are known as Sanctuary Schemes, victims of domestic violence have special security measures installed to keep families safe in their own homes in case the aggressor tries to return. Depending on the specific needs of the family at risk, this might mean creating a safe room in the house which is secured using a reinforced door which opens outwards so an intruder cannot kick-it in.

In other cases, councils and the police might install video entry systems and alarms which automatically alert the nearest police station ensuring a rapid response. These security measures combined with other essential support from specialist domestic violence service providers have proved crucial in keeping households safe.

The research by the University of York shows that Sanctuary Schemes, supported by other agencies, such as the police and local councils, have been hugely successful in helping families stay safe in their own homes. This often means families avoid the upheaval of having to leave their home and support networks and the risk of becoming homeless.

Statistics also recently released show that in 2009 there were over 5,000 cases that were prevented from becoming homeless home thanks to the protection of a Sanctuary Scheme.

As a result, new guidance has also been published to help councils, the police and other partners make sure that the Sanctuary Schemes they run best meet the needs of domestic violence victims.

The new research has been welcomed by prominent domestic violence organisations Women's Aid and AVA (Against Violence and Abuse).


Case Law Update

Brumby v Octavia Hill HA [2010] EWHC 1793 (QB)

The claimant was an assured tenant of a lower ground floor flat in a block of flats. She complained to the defendant, her landlord, about the anti-social behaviour taking place in the common parts of the block.

When the claimant felt the landlord had failed to respond with effective measures, she brought a claim in the tort of nuisance.

The defendant's application to strike-out the claim was refused.

The High Court dismissed an appeal. The defendant was the owner and occupier in law of the common parts. The allegation was that nuisance was coming from those parts and had not been abated, even after complaint. Such a claim should be tried on its facts.

Legal Update


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Reporting on Aug-Oct 2010

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