'Panic rooms' proposed for victims of domestic violence

Victims of domestic abuse in west Oxfordshire are being given safe havens or "panic rooms" within their own homes, to protect them from attacks.

The scheme has been launched by the district's community safety partnership after an increase in incidents and it is planned to roll out the system across the county.

A bedroom, or another room within the house, will be fitted with special locks and security bolts, toughened doors and a telephone line to call for help. The money for the project is being provided by the Government.

The idea of sanctuary rooms has been taken up because of the reluctance of many victims of domestic violence, particularly those with children, to leave their homes and move to a refuge.

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