What is The Sanctuary Scheme?
The Sanctuary Scheme is a multi-agency, victim-centred initiative designed to empower victims of domestic abuse to feel safe to remain in the sanctuary of their own homes. This is achieved through the installation of a range of additional security measures at identified properties.
The scheme is funded by Northern Ireland Housing Executive and is currently only available to any Northern Ireland Housing Executive tenants experiencing domestic abuse. However, a victim does not need to be subject to the Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) process in order to be eligible for The Sanctuary Scheme.
Police Service of Northern Ireland collaborate closely with Northern Ireland Housing Executive to deliver this scheme and ensure it reaches as many victims as possible.
Victims of domestic abuse can often feel forced to leave their homes and support networks in order to flee domestic abuse. Some victims can even be left homeless. The Sanctuary Scheme enables us to prevent this happening to victims and their families and provide the appropriate safeguarding they need.
What is Included under The Sanctuary Scheme?
The Sanctuary Scheme enables Northern Ireland Housing Executive to install a wide range of installations at identified victim’s properties.
Following a referral Crime Prevention Officers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland will work with Northern Ireland Housing Executive to assess victim’s properties and agree appropriate security installations that can be provided. Northern Ireland Housing Executive will then install these at the property.
Below is a list of some of the various security measures available under the scheme.
| Solid core sanctuary doors | New/extra door and window locks | Reinforced double glazed windows | Smoke detectors |
| Padlocking gates | Panic alarms | Intercom systems | Video entry systems |
| Security lighting | CCTV | Anti-climb topping for gates fences and roof | Cutting back hedges |
| Removing branches | Erecting fences and gates | Securing shared entrances and entrance systems | Creation of a Sanctuary Room in the property |
The Referral Process
A referral for The Sanctuary Scheme should currently only be complete by Northern Ireland Housing Executive officers.
The victim’s patch manager should complete the referral form only after an initial discussion with the victim. The scheme is completely voluntary and referral forms should only be completed with the victims consent.
Once a referral form has been submitted, colleagues in Police Service of Northern Ireland Public Protection team will review the information. This allows officers to identify victims of domestic abuse and address any further safeguarding concerns needed.
The referral will then be shared with Police Service of Northern Ireland Crime Prevention Officers who will work with Northern Ireland Housing Executive to conduct a risk assessment at the property and agree Sanctuary Scheme installations. These will then be implemented by Northern Ireland Housing Executive.
Making a Sanctuary Scheme Referral
Please note that this form isn't an alternative for reporting domestic abuse. If you need to do that, please report domestic abuse by calling police on 101 or 999 in an emergency. You can also contact us on the online reporting service.
This referral will not generate an automatic or immediate Police response. Please do not use this form as an alternative to report a crime or immediate concern.
Only Northern Ireland Housing Executive officers are able to complete this form at present. If you are not associated with Northern Ireland Housing Executive, please contact Police on the above channels instead.
The Sanctuary Scheme is a voluntary process. Prior to completing a referral form, please ensure the subject involved has consented to this and will be willing to be contacted by Police.
