Penwith and Kerrier Councils are helping families who suffer from domestic violence continue to live without fear, in their own homes.

In the last 12 months an initiative run by Penwith and Kerrier Councils has helped around 80 households, threatened with homelessness due to domestic violence, remain in their homes and communities.

Those who suffer in their own home because of the fear of domestic abuse or hate crime can often feel they have no choice but to leave the area.

The West Cornwall Sanctuary Project helps those in fear feel safe and secure in their home, giving them the choice to remain in their communities. This can be especially important for children who are often uprooted from their schools, friends, family and support network when fleeing a potentially violent situation.

Councillor Morley Thomas, said: “The Sanctuary Project enables clients facing homelessness through domestic abuse, hate or race related crime to choose whether to remain in their homes. It provides them with the additional support necessary to help them live in their homes without fear”.

Since its inception in 2005, the West Cornwall Sanctuary Project has helped 208 households across the Kerrier and Penwith districts. The project works in partnership with landlords, home owners, support agencies and other service providers.

Councillor Pat Aston for Kerrier district council said: “For most families, home is a place of safety, support and laughter; for some it is a waking nightmare which forces them to flee from their homes, wider family and community.

This project protects the innocent victims of domestic violence and helps to keep them in Cornwall. I am very pleased that this good practice has now spread across the whole of Cornwall.”