Medium Cost Interventions
11. Window privacy / Grill modifications
Installing shatter-resistant films, privacy tints, or metal grills on residential windows to prevent forced entry, stalking, and visual surveillance. Deters physical intrusion, protects survivors from repeat abuse, improves emotional safety / autonomy, supports law enforcement with clearer evidence, and reduces fear/anxiety in the home environment. More relevant to people in certain living situations i.e. on the ground floor, those living alone, or those fleeing abusive relationships.
Basic film £6-£10/sqft
Premium film £12-£20/sqft
Average UK home (20 windows) £1,200-£2,500. Basic steel grills £100-£200 per window
Decorative or reinforced grills £250-£400 per window
Full home (20 windows) £3-£6,000. Installation labour: Film £300-£600 or Grills £1-£2,000. Consultation & risk assessment £150-£300.
Total £1500-£9000
Security assessment & planning 1 week
Procurement of materials 1-2 weeks
Installation of films 2-3 days
Installation of grills 1-2 weeks
Total 3-4 weeks.
Window film maintenance (cleaning, replacement) £1-£300 per annum
Grill maintenance (rust-proofing; repainting; structural checks) £1-£400 per annum
Total £100-£700 pa
Window film lifespan 7-10 years
Grills lifespan 15-20 years
Physical security measures reduce crime by making propertise more difficult to break into'. The presence of window protection is one of the most protective single features. Where a subset of VAWG is committed during break-ins, and window access is a common entry route, utilising a 'WIDE' setup offers 49x more protection against break-ins than no measures. Window tints also protect women from being observed while alone, which is a risk amplifier in qualitative VAWG research.