A new scheme to help the victims of domestic violence remain safe in their own homes has been launched in North East Derbyshire.

The scheme provides extra security to the victim and their family by: 

• extra door and window locks and door viewers

• strengthened fire resistant doors and frames

• links to the police and fire and rescue services who will give priority to any call 

The programme is a partnership between North East Derbyshire District Council, Rykneld Homes, the Police and Women's Aid.
 
Said Councillor Peter Riggott, Member with responsibility for Community Safety: "We have developed this scheme because domestic violence is one of the main reasons for homelessness in the district and throughout the country.
 
"Safe at Home is one of the options offered by the Council to try and avert situations where people who are facing domestic problems end up becoming homeless."
 
The Council is also looking at ways to provide mediation services to enable people to discuss their problems before they escalate.
 
However, where the threat to a person or a family is considered too serious, there is always the options of a person making a homeless application and being rehoused a safe distance from the area.
 
Safe at Home is free to sole tenants or owner occupiers living in all types of accommodation including council owned, housing association, private rented or owner occupied.
 
It is available to anyone who lives in the district and is suffering domestic violence or abuse which is likely to result in a person leaving their home.  Joint tenants or joint owner occupiers need to talk to the Housing Options team on 01246 231111 about alternative ways to help.