WOKINGHAM Borough Council is reaching out to residents who are unsafe in their own homes to ensure they understand what help is available.
The council’s home refuge scheme aims to help those affected by domestic abuse to remain in their home around their friends and family network if it is safe to do so.
Where the perpetrator no longer lives – or has the right to live – in the property, the scheme can help those affected by domestic abuse to feel safer in their home through the provision of additional security measures.
Measures are based on the individual property and can include door and window alarms, a video doorbell, padlocks on gates and a flap lock letter box which are installed free of charge.
If this is not an option, the council can offer advice and assistance about different options available to anyone in the borough that is homeless or threatened with homelessness due to domestic abuse.
When it is not safe to remain within the borough, the council aims to find a suitable placement elsewhere as well as exploring longer term housing options for those in need.
A personalised housing plan can be created to offer a secure, safe and suitable long-term housing solution alongside referrals into appropriate services to ensure all needs are supported.
Cllr Sarah Kerr, executive member for climate emergency and resident services said, “The cost of providing basic services is increasing dramatically but we are committed to working with partners to ensure we have the resources available to continue to provide protection, a safe space and a support network to all our residents who need our help.”
For further details about the council’s home refuge scheme visit the council website.
For emergency accommodation assistance, outside of office hours or at weekends, contact the council emergency team on 0800 212 111.
Anyone being subjected to any form of abuse, or know someone who is, there is local support available.
The Wokingham borough domestic abuse service is delivered by Cranstoun. They provide support for male and female victims/survivors, children and young people and perpetrators.
Cranstoun’s contact number is 0118 402 1921.
For more information on Cranstoun’s support, visit: cranstoun.org
How to get help
In a non-emergency, victims of domestic abuse can:
Call 101 or make a report on the Thames Valley Police website
Call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247
Contact Women’s Aid via: www.womensaid.org.uk
Call the Men’s Advice Line: 0808 8010327
Call Mankind, a helpline for male victims: 01823 334244
Call Galop, for members of the LGBT+ community: 0800 999 5428
Contact Victims First via: www.victims-first.org.uk
Call Flag DV for free legal advice for Domestic Abuse: 0800 731 0055
Call SAFE! For victims of crime aged 5 – 18: 0800 1337938
