Home security for attack victims

Domestic violence claims the lives of more than 100 women a year

Extra security measures have been fitted in the homes of domestic violence victims in Nottingham, as part of a city council project.

The Sanctuary Scheme has installed systems into 36 properties, including a high-security panic room at some homes.

Other measures include fitting reinforced doors and extra locks, and removing letterboxes from doors.

The scheme aims to help abuse victims to stay at home, instead of them having to leave for a refuge.

Since we've had these measures, they're like our sleeping policeman Sue, domestic abuse victim

Chris Cutland from the Women's Aid Advice Centre, which supports the project, said: "Women who experience domestic violence very often don't know where to go or who to turn to.

"The main benefit for women staying in their own homes with the Sanctuary Scheme is that it doesn't disrupt children's lives... they can stay in the same school and can keep the same friends," she said.

Sue, a domestic violence victim who has had a panic room installed in her home, said the scheme had given her a lifeline.

"Without these measures, I wouldn't have been able to stay here because it wouldn't have been safe for us but since we've had these measures, they're like our sleeping policeman," she said.