Simone's Story
Simone is 29 years old and lives alone in a ground floor flat where she has helpful, friendly neighbours and a best friend nearby. Simone explained that she finally decided to split permanently from her ex-partner, Darren, following two years of physical and emotional abuse. They have been separated now for 7 months and she confirmed that he has no keys or right of access to the flat and she won’t ever let him in.
Darren threatens to return to Simone’s flat and kick the door in. He has attempted to kick the door in before, and often sends text messages to Simone on Friday evenings when he is out drinking with his friends, saying he will be coming round later.
Simone always lets the Police know of any incidents including the threats. Darren is not known to Police for any other reason. Simone feels that Darren would accept some help if it was offered, but she would still not take him back. Simone has been living in fear and cannot sleep at night.
Simone had heard about Lambeth’s Sanctuary Scheme that was set up to help women such as Simone who were suffering from domestic violence. She contacted the scheme and an appointment was made for a caseworker to assess whether the scheme would be suitable in Simone’s situation.
After suitability was determined, an appointment was made to visit Simone’s flat to assess the required works and security measures.
A safe room was set up in Simone’s house with maximum security in the event that Darren did manage to break into the flat whilst Simone was inside. Simone was also given high priority links to the police, ambulance and fire services. Her front door was reinforced with new locks and the windows on the ground floor were fitted with grilles.
Simone was also given dedicated support from a member of the Floating support domestic violence team.
Simone now feels much safer in her home and is very happy that she was able to stay on in her flat surrounded by her family and friends and not forced to move away by Darren’s threatening behaviour.
If you are in a similar situation to Simone, or know of someone that is, please contact a sanctuary scheme caseworker on 020 7829 0007/0008.
(Please note that this is a fictional case study as due to the sensitive nature of the situations faced by participants of the scheme, real case studies cannot be publicised)