What is the Sanctuary Service?
Blackpool Sanctuary Service is a victim centred initiative. It is designed to enable victims of domestic abuse to remain in their own accommodation, where it is safe for them to do so, where it is their choice and where the perpetrator does not live in the accommodation.
The Sanctuary Service consists of installing extra security in a home, giving the perpetrator extra barriers when attempting to enter the property.
Anyone who is threatened with homelessness if they have to leave their accommodation through domestic abuse is eligible for the Sanctuary Service.
The Sanctuary Service is available regardless of whether the victim has a family or lives alone and is free of charge, regardless of type of tenure.
There are 2 tests that the referring agency must be satisfied of before applying for the Sanctuary Service. Firstly, the perpetrator must not be living at the address and, secondly, the referring agency must be satisfied that, without the work, the victim would be likely to become homeless.
The Sanctuary Service is offered to give victims of domestic abuse more choices. They must want to stay on their own home for the service to work. If it is their choice to move then this should be the case.
After the work has been carried out, support will be provided through the sanctuary Service for a maximum of 3 months. If there is a need for further support after 3 months, a referral will be made to another agency.
In an emergency always dial 999