We have been providing the SAFER Scheme on behalf of Kent County Council since 2023. SAFER stands for Sanctuary Access For Eligible Residents and is aimed at providing security upgrades that enable DA survivors to remain in their own homes where they choose to do so.
Our perspective when it comes to domestic abuse scenarios is that the DA Survivors should always be given an option for their security to be upgraded in order that they and their family feel much safer within their own homes. This should be offered as an option rather than being uprooted and having to leave their neighbourhood with all the benefits of their local support network.
Professionals throughout the KCC region (except Medway) refer into the Single Point of Access provided by Victim Support. Referrals are checked for eligibility and forwarded to our Administration Team via secure email. Once referrals come through our Administrators call referred Clients within 24-hours to offer appointment slots at their earliest convenience. Assessments and fittings are carried out on the same single visit ensuring that vulnerable Clients have a safer home environment in the shortest possible timeframe.
In conjunction with KCC we are pioneering the CYBER Sanctuary scheme providing specialist and preventative support to victims and survivors of online domestic abuse. Our Cyber Security Advisor visits DA Survivors in their homes or sometimes in refuge accommodation to help them identify and reduce online risks and to improve their safety across devices, online accounts and at home Wi-Fi networks. This service also includes giving guidance on safe evidence collection, storage, and crime reporting.
Monthly reports covering SAFER and CYBER are forwarded to KCC showing details of service delivery and include client feedback, comments, any issues or safeguarding escalations.
These reports then form the basis of regular Contract Progress Meetings between Secure Horizon management personnel and KCC Commissioners.
Security Upgrades available on this scheme include:
- Door Locks
- Window Locks
- Padlocks (Gates, Outhouses)
- Recording Devices (Video doorbells, cameras)
- Security Lighting
- Window Alarms
