A ‘Safe Haven’ scheme is being developed across Devon to offer emergency accommodation to those fleeing domestic violence. And potential volunteer hosts are invited to a meeting in Newton Abbot tomorrow, Monday March 19.
A spokeswoman for the scheme said: ‘With the number of reported domestic abuse incidents in Devon continuing to rise, this new initiative aims to tackle the shortage of emergency accommodation for people forced to flee their homes because of violence, or the threat of violence.
‘Under the Safe Haven scheme, they would be offered temporary accommodation in a volunteer family’s home, using the same model as Exeter’s Nightstop scheme for young people at risk of having to sleep rough.’
Jacinta Wainwright, Chief Executive of Exeter charity Stop Abuse for Everyone (SAFE), added: ‘We know there’s an urgent need for safe and supportive accommodation for people at risk of domestic violence. When someone is frightened for their own safety, they need to know there’s a safe place for them, available that same night if necessary.
‘While refuges and safe houses provide that security, it would be wonderful to be able to offer them a friendly host who would take them into their own home, cook them a meal, and provide a sympathetic ear.
‘We also know there are a lot of people out there already providing ‘unofficial’ emergency accommodation to a friend or relative who feels unsafe in their own home.
‘The Safe Haven scheme would help them, and in fact we’d very much like to hear from people in that position at our focus group meetings.’
According to the latest figures available from the Office for National Statistics, there were 26,939 domestic abuse incidents and crimes recorded in Devon and Cornwall in the 12 months to March 2017.
SAFE’s own experience of working with people affected by domestic abuse has highlighted the need for more short-term emergency accommodation. There’s a shortage of places across Devon, with the few refuges in the county being placed under enormous strain, and very few other options.
Volunteer hosts, who would all receive full training, would provide the potential abuse victim with a safe and friendly place to stay, a hot meal, a bath or shower and a chance to wash their clothes.
The idea has been put forward by SAFE, which works across the county. It’s organising a series of focus groups in seven locations across Devon, including in Newton Abbot next Monday, to explore the possibilities.
The spokeswoman added: ‘Charities and other organisations working to combat homelessness also report that many of the women sleeping rough on Devon’s streets have been forced out of their homes by domestic abuse.
‘The Safe Haven initiative could reduce the pressure on these organisations and protect these vulnerable women from situations that could make their position even worse.
‘The purpose of the focus groups is to explore the possibility of setting up the Safe Haven scheme.
‘An important aspect of this is ensuring the safety of the volunteer hosts, and this will be discussed at the meetings.’
SAFE is inviting interested parties to join the focus groups, including those working in the field of domestic violence and also members of the public interested in this work.
The Newton Abbot focus group meeting is at Forde House on Monday March 19, from 1.30pm to 3.30pm.
For further information or interviews call Janet Adkins at SAFE on 01392 269 542 or 0741 920 9599 or email [email protected]