A SCHEME to safeguard victims of domestic violence has reached a landmark.

More than 100 people in Kirklees have been made safer this year through a project providing free security protection.

The Sanctuary scheme enables victims to remain in their own homes, and keeps the perpetrators out.

Properties are ‘target hardened’ with alarms, window and door locks, bolts, security lighting and an emergency telephone. A support worker also offers confidential help and advice.

The project received 116 referrals from April 2007 to the end of January 2008: 60% from South Kirklees and 40% from North Kirklees.

Children were affected in 85% of cases. This compares to 33 cases from April to the end of December 2006.

Clr Khizar Iqbal, who chairs Kirklees Safer Stronger Communities Partnership, said: “This successful scheme is making a huge difference by protecting more domestic violence victims, so they feel safer and can rebuild their lives.”

Domestic violence covers psychological, emotional, physical, sexual and financial abuse between adults who are or have been intimate partners or family members. Men and women are affected, including those in same sex relationships.

The Sanctuary scheme is run by Kirklees Safer Stronger Communities Partnership, Pennine Domestic Violence Group and Kirklees Council’s strategic housing and building services departments. It is funded by the Home Office.

It was launched after council housing statistics revealed that 20% of all homeless applicants were domestic violence victims fleeing abuse.

Homeowners and tenants in both private and council-run properties are eligible for the project.

In the past, families fled to temporary or emergency accommodation after being forced out by the perpetrator. Some moved repeatedly, had to change jobs, and left behind family and friends, and sometimes pets, to begin life in a new area.

Thelma Singleton, Domestic Violence Strategic Coordinator, said: “People want the violence and abuse to stop. But they don’t want to leave their home, because of the enormous upheaval that involves. It is very traumatic and stressful, especially for children.

“The Sanctuary scheme stops all of this. It makes the perpetrator accountable and sends a strong message that their behaviour is totally unacceptable. They will lose their family and home as a result.

“The impact on victims has been life changing. They say it has instantly made them and their families safer and more relaxed.”