A POLICE project, aimed at keeping victims of domestic violence and hate crime safe was given national funding this week by Ruth Kelly MP, Secretary of State for communities and local government.

The Harrow Sanctuary Project made it possible for victims to remain in their homes and feel safe, without fear of attack.

Harrow PC Mark Dowse, who helped design the scheme, said: "Prior to the introduction of the Harrow Sanctuary Project, there was a great deal of moral support being offered to victims of domestic violence and hate crime, but there were no facilities available to help them secure their homes and prevent repeat victimisation."

And analysis carried out by Women's Aid, found 50 per cent of victims of domestic violence do not live with the perpetrators and 50 per cent of victims of domestic violence would prefer to remain in their homes.

But the violence, and threat of violence, sometimes means victims have to move home frequently, away from family and friends, losing their already established networks, and finding new schools for their children.

PC Dowse, said: "The Sanctuary Project empowers the victims of domestic violence, enabling them to stay in their homes with the support of their family and friends around them. We have had a great deal of positive feedback from victims and their children who have said that thanks to the sanctuary project they feel safe and can sleep at night."

The sanctuary room is created by replacing an internal door, generally the master bedroom door, with a solid core, half-hour fire rated door.

This door is reversed to open outwards onto the landing, so that the doorjamb acts as an additional barrier to the reinforced frame, locks and hinges. Fire safety is paramount, so occupiers are supplied with a fire safety kit, which includes fire seals around the Sanctuary door, smoke alarms, an anti-arson letterbox, fire blanket, torch, break glass hammer and a fire extinguisher.

Additional locks and bolts are fitted to the remaining windows and doors throughout the property to delay the suspect, giving the victims and their children sufficient time to get into the Sanctuary room.

Since its official launch in 2002, the Harrow Sanctuary Project has helped 225 victims of domestic violence and hate crime stay in their homes, and despite numerous attempts by ex-partners and assailants, none have been compromised.

The Harrow Sanctuary Project was conceived in 1998 by officers from the Harrow Police Crime Reduction Unit - PCs Peter Waine, Geoff Bigby and Mark Dowse.