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A survivor of abuse escaped her dangerous partner, only to find herself stuck in an unsecure home due to the negligence of her local council. Referred to as Jane for anonymity, she spent over six months barricading herself into her rented residence every night, as the council failed to address a broken door lock promptly. Government guidelines dictate that individuals classified as high risk should receive target hardening measures within a couple of working days for added home security. In a significant failing, North Kesteven District Council acknowledged their error and offered Jane £100 in compensation for their failure to ensure her safety.
Since 2021, local authorities have been legally obligated to provide safe accommodations for victims of domestic abuse. This requirement led to the implementation of sanctuary schemes across most councils in England, which typically involve installing target hardening measures in the homes of survivors who no longer live with their abusers. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government outlines that these safety measures, such as alarm systems, additional locks, and fire-proof letterboxes, should be promptly installed post-risk assessment to ensure the security of survivors.
Jane, hailing from Lincolnshire, shared her harrowing experience of living in constant fear following delays in securing her home after leaving her abusive partner in May 2024. Recounting nights spent trembling with terror, Jane revealed the emotional toll of not being able to properly secure her patio door, forcing her to improvise makeshift barricades for self-protection. The risk posed by abusive partners is particularly high in the immediate aftermath of leaving a toxic relationship, underscoring the urgency of adequate target hardening support for survivors to prevent further harm. The deficiencies in target hardening provision have drawn criticism from domestic abuse commissioner Dame Nicole Jacobs, who highlighted the unacceptable risks faced by survivors due to inadequate safety measures.
The case of Jane underscores a broader issue in the system, where survivors of domestic abuse are left vulnerable due to delays and shortcomings in target hardening measures. Tragic incidents, such as the murder of Bethany Vincent and her son Darren Henson in Louth, shed light on the devastating consequences of ineffective safety protocols. Families and advocates are calling for urgent action to address the gaps in protecting survivors and ensuring their safety from potential harm. Despite efforts to improve responses to domestic abuse, challenges persist in securing necessary support and resources to safeguard vulnerable individuals from further harm
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