Domestic abuse: Housing Sanctuary Scheme 'gave me peace of mind'

Domestic abuse: Housing Sanctuary Scheme 'gave me peace of mind'

Ashleigh Murray, a domestic violence survivor, shared her harrowing experience of living in fear of her abusive ex-partner. She revealed that she resorted to sleeping with a hammer beside her bed for protection, as she was terrified that her former partner would harm her and her unborn child. However, her life took a positive turn when she was introduced to the Housing Executive’s Sanctuary Scheme, which provided her with a lifeline by installing new security measures such as cameras, locks, and security lights at her home.

Recalling the abuse she endured at the hands of her ex-partner, Ashleigh Murray spoke about the traumatic experiences she faced. Her abuser, Donald Newell, subjected her to common assault, criminal damage, and persistent improper use of electronic communications to cause anxiety. Despite his sentencing, Murray expressed her fear and the impact of the abuse on her life. The scheme proved to be a blessing for her, as it allowed her to stay in her home with added security measures to protect herself and her child.

Through the Sanctuary Scheme provided by the Housing Executive, Ashleigh Murray found a renewed sense of peace and security. The installation of door and window alarms, floodlights, cameras, and heavy-duty locks ensured that she could feel safe in her own home. Despite the trauma and fear she had experienced, the scheme gave her the reassurance she needed to rebuild her life and provide a safe environment for her daughter to grow up in. This support was crucial in helping her break free from the cycle of abuse and move forward towards a brighter future.

Kerry Logan, from Housing Rights, praised the Sanctuary Scheme while also highlighting the need for more social homes to be built to support individuals fleeing domestic violence. She emphasized the importance of prioritizing victims of domestic abuse on social housing waiting lists and called for a higher level of points to be allocated to them. With the removal of intimidation points from social housing applications, victims of domestic violence are now receiving the recognition and support they deserve in seeking a safe place to live.unitOfWorkting the system to better reflect the severity of domestic violence and ensure that victims are given the necessary support and protection they need to rebuild their lives

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