safe@home
Safe@home is a crime prevention programme which is having a remarkable impact on the lives of families who have been victims of serious domestic violence. The programme targets victims of domestic abuse who are at high risk of serious injury or death (these are mostly women and their children).
Six point one percent of victims of violent crime suffer 68.4% of all crimes committed (NZ National Survey of Crime Victims 1996).
"Therefore," according to Shine's Executive Director Jane Drumm, "targeting those who are repeatedly victimised is the most effective way to achieve the biggest impact."
Safe@home helps these families stay safe in their own homes by replacing glass panelled doors with solid doors, installing house alarms, smoke alarms and security lights, fitting deadlocks, bolts, peepholes, door and window restrictors, changing locks, repairing broken windows and damaged door frames, fitting safety glass and providing hand-held personal alarms and small strong torches. An important component is the installation of silent monitored alarms which, when activated, lead to the Police Communications Centre being alerted.
Nothing like this has been done in any systematic way elsewhere in New Zealand.
The programme was trialled for two years to the end of June 2010 in the Western suburbs of Auckland City, and is now provided for families throughout Auckland central and the North Shore. Safe@home responded to nearly 200 families that were referred to the service during its initial 2 year trial period.
> Read the evaluation of the safe@home pilot programme through 2009.
As is clear from the initial evaluation, the programme is achieving dramatic results. Statements from victims illustrate the immense reduction in fear and an increase in confidence and optimism after being referred to the programme. Evaluative data is collected from participants to assess their level of fear both before and after the security upgrade work is done. A key evaluative question asked of each participant both before and after the service is:
On a scale of 1 to 7, where would you rate your current fear or risk of harm from the offender?
Many of the women initially report difficulties with sleeping. This disturbed sleep pattern contributes to ongoing fatigue, concentration problems, anxiety and for some, weight loss and depression. Women have frequently commented on a generally improved sense of wellbeing and control of their lives with better, deeper sleep being a significant factor.
Case study: a mother with three young children
*Before safe@home: self-assessment of current fear or risk of harm 5/7
“I know he has been on the property because things have been moved. At night I cringe every time I hear a car like his. I get up and check out the window. The idea of sleeping pills is crossing my mind. He has threatened to kill me and has put his hands around my throat a couple of times.”
*After safe@home : self-assessment of current fear or risk of harm 2/7
“I feel more reassured every day. I’m feeling much happier. The kids are much safer now and they feel happier. We can focus on life and not worry about broken windows. I still feel a bit anxious at night but not in the day."
Case study: a mother with two young children
She was a mum with two children and owned her own home. Although she was separated from her abusive partner, he continuously sent her threatening texts, and would frequently phone the home and say things to the children like
“I can make your mum disappear.”
He had threatened to kill her on numerous occasions. She feared for her safety, but even more for the safety of her children. The children were petrified of what their father might do and could not sleep at night. Both children compulsively checked that all the doors and windows were locked and never played outside.
A Shine Advocate became involved with the family after the man was arrested for threatening behaviour. The Advocate referred the family to safe@home. After the safe@home Coordinator conducted a home safety assessment for the family, she then organised for a home security upgrade, which included a door restrictor and peep hole, security stays on the windows, sensor lights, and a key locking bolt on the French doors.
On a follow up visit by the safe@home Coordinator, the mum expressed joy and relief that her children were now able to sleep at night and were no longer continuously worried about their dad breaking into the house. The mum was visibly relieved, and expressed hope for their future. Her 9 year old son thanked the Safe@home Co-ordinator saying,
“You are the only people that listened to us.”
Safe@home programme awards:
|
 |
Shine is extremely grateful for the dedication and support of the members of the safe@home Steering Committee who all provide advice, practical support and resources. Member of the Steering Committee include:
- NZ Police
- Housing NZ
- SPM Builders Ltd.
- Bupa
- Ministry of Social Development
- NZ Fire Service
- Child, Youth & Family