Police back security for victims

Some simple home security measures could make a big difference to the lives of domestic violence victims in South Canterbury, according to the police.

South Canterbury Family Violence co-ordinator Senior Constable Steve Wills said the effect of the added security, although seemingly small, could make a massive difference.

Having security measures in place such as lights, locks and alarms not only provided peace of mind, it also provided victims of domestic violence with another layer of protection.

Wills' comments were made on the back of Justice Minister Amy Adams launching the expansion of the National Home Safety Service, last week. The programme awarded the National Collective of Independent Women's Refuges a three-year $3.6 million contract, which will begin on July 1, to disperse money around New Zealand. The service will assist up to 400 victims of family violence a year, and up to 600 children, to remain in their homes with a significantly reduced risk of serious physical harm or violence.

"Too many people continue to be re-victimised, even when a protection order is in place. The National Home Safety Service will provide victims of serious family violence with simple, practical help to make them feel safer in their own homes," Adams said.

The national service builds on a pilot programme that has been running in Auckland since 2008 and in Tauranga and Christchurch for the past three years.

The programmes allowed people to stay in their own homes without fear, and also reduced re-victimisation, Adams said.

A benefit of the pilot programme was that none of the participants on it had had to move house due to an offender's actions, where previously 85 per cent had moved.

Also following security upgrades no participants had received any injuries. However, 40 per cent had experienced serious and/or potentially life-threatening injuries prior to the upgrade. The children were also out of harm's way during the programmes with no children reported as being hurt, whereas 72 per cent had been prior to the security installations.

Participants reported improvements in sleep, self-confidence, concentration or memory, anxiety or panic attacks, depression, alcohol or drug intake, and greater happiness after the security upgrade.

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Police back security for victims