Sanctuary Scheme

Are you experiencing Domestic Abuse and would like to remain safely in your home?

If it is safe and your choice, and your partner no longer lives with you, we can help make your home more secure.

Breckland Council is part of a new Norfolk-wide initiative called the Sanctuary Scheme which helps survivors of domestic abuse to continue living in their own homes when it is safe to do so.

What is the Sanctuary Scheme?

The Sanctuary Scheme aims to allow survivors of domestic abuse to remain in their own homes and supports them to stay closer to their support networks.

What does the Sanctuary Scheme provide?

Our Sanctuary trained officer will assess each property and install suitable target hardening measures to improve security. They can install extra security measures, such as:

• stronger doors and locks
• smart/ camera doorbells
• security lights
• alarms to ensure survivors feel secure

This means survivors can stay in their homes and there is no need to:

• move away from friends and family.
• move away from schools and work.
• move into temporary accommodation or a refuge.

The Sanctuary Scheme is free

You can apply if:

• you are at risk of domestic abuse and live in Norfolk
• you want remain living in your home
• it is safe for you to return your home with extra security in place
• the perpetrator has no legal right to enter the property

You can apply if you live in council housing, housing association property, private rented accommodation or own your home.
If you live in rented accommodation, the landlord's permission is needed before our officers complete any work on the property.

If you live outside of the Breckland area, you will need tocontact your local Council (opens new window) to find out how to apply.

Online Sanctuary Scheme referral form

Further information

For Domestic Abuse Supportplease contact NIDAS (Norfolk Integrated Domestic Abuse Service) (opens new window) 

Tel: 0300 561 0555

If in immediate danger, you should always call 999

The Sanctuary Scheme is delivered by Breckland Council.
Once accepted, the Council will ensure it is legal and safe foe target hardening measures to be carried out and can put you in contact with other services, such as Police and other Domestic Abuse support services if you wish.

Funded by the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities through a grant made possible by Norfolk County Council.