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If you need support or think you can help visit our Community Hub page.
If you think you’re a victim of domestic abuse call 01622 602440 or visit the The Link on King Street. You can also report it using our online form.
Or you can try:
Domestic Abuse can be violence or the threat of violence or verbal, physical or psychological abuse.
If you answered 'yes' to any of these questions, you may be in an abusive relationship.
It is important to know that you are not alone, and that there are many services that can help you.
Our Sanctuary Scheme aims to help people that have experienced domestic abuse to remain in their own homes and feel safe. This is done by providing extra security so it is more difficult for unwanted visitors to gain access. The scheme is funded by us, so you wont need to pay anything.
The scheme is made to fit the needs of the individual. It offers extra security measures to your home and support from agencies. The security measures include;
The scheme is available to anyone living in Maidstone who is, or could become, homeless because of domestic abuse or hate crime. It is available to homeowners, housing association tenants and people who rent their property privately. If you rent privately, you will need permission from your landlord for the work to take place. If you own or rent your property with the abuser, you will need to seek legal advice. No work can be carried out on a property if the abuser has a legal right to live there.
If you are concerned for your safety you can email our Community Safety Housing Officer. The officer will assess your housing needs and if it is agreed that the scheme can help you, we will arrange to visit your home with a security contractor to assess the security changes needed. We aim to complete the improvements within 48 hours of the first visit, which will include showing you how to use the items fitted. You will be asked to complete a form so we can make sure that you were happy with the service.
All referrals are directed to our Community Safety Housing Officer who will contact the victim and check that the sanctuary criteria are met. If they are met, a security survey is carried out to assess the need for sanctuary measures. The landlord of the property is then contacted to gain permission to do the work. Then, subject to budget, we place the order for the work with the approved contractor. Finally, the contractor installs the security measures, and the police update their computer system to inform officers of the sanctuary.