Restrict Home Access for a Former Partner

An ex-partner who still has a key, a habit of walking in unannounced, or an understanding that they can “drop by” retains a level of access that becomes dangerous the moment the relationship turns hostile. On Monday, a 42-year-old man was stabbed multiple times to his forearms at his Laventille Road home in Trou Macaque when his ex-girlfriend entered unannounced wielding a knife. An argument over his car keys escalated into the attack; when he fled, she threw a bottle at him as he ran. The confrontation was only possible because she was able to get inside without him choosing to let her in. Ending a relationship should also mean ending that access — the home is not a shared space once the relationship is over.

Steps to follow:

• Change or rekey your locks as soon as a relationship with anyone who had a key or regular access ends, regardless of how the breakup went.
• Retrieve any spare keys you gave to a former partner before the relationship ends, or assume they will not be returned and rekey anyway.
• Do not let a former partner into your home to “talk” or collect belongings without a third party present, and arrange collection of their items for a specific, agreed time.
• Keep doors locked during the day, not just at night, if a former partner is aware of your routine and has shown up unannounced before.
• Tell a neighbour or household member that a former partner no longer has permission to enter, so they know to intervene or call police if that person is let in or forces entry.
• If a former partner enters your home without permission, treat it as a trespass and call 999 immediately rather than resolving the confrontation yourself.