Domestic violence - important safety advice

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A safety plan can protect you or your children from harm.

Planning to leave

Practical advice:

• save some money as a crisis fund
• carry a list of contact numbers in case of an emergency (even well-known numbers can be forgotten in a panic)
• collect together any important documents such as benefit books, legal and financial papers, marriage and birth certificates, court orders, medical cards, passports, driving licence, address books, cheque books, credit cards, etc
• get an extra set of keys cut for the house, car, garage, etc

Keep the keys, crisis fund, important documents and a spare set of clothers for yourself and your children in a bag in a safe place with someone you can trust (avoid mutual friends and family).

Leaving

Be careful - often abusers increase their violence if they suspect you are planning to leave. Do as much of the following:

• leave when the abuser is not around and never return home alone
• if you need to return for anything ask the police to come with you
• take the children with you - if you are forced to leave them behind, contact the police immediately
• take the children's favourite toys and encough clothing for several days
• take any medication you or the children may need
  

If you can, leave essential items with a trusted friend. Always try to leave when your partner isn't around.