Safety Planning

Make sure someone you trust knows that you are suffering.

Move to a safer room if you anticipate violence - avoid the kitchen or bathroom where there may be items that can be used as weapons and hard surfaces.

Any documents relating to the abuse e.g. police reports, court injunctions,and restraining orders

Address book and telephone numbers

Photographs and small items of sentimental value

Comfort items for children.

Take information relating to offender, picture for identification purposes. Details of vehicles etc.

Plan escape routes from your house.

Plan where you will go; Neighbours, friends, telephone kiosk, etc.

Does your address have a safe room where you can escape to during an argument.

Keep a log and record details of all interactions that take place between you and your partner.

If you have been assaulted ensure that you see your GP so that your injuries can be treated and documented. This may assist you in the future.

Ensure that injuries sufferred are photographed.

Keep a handbag, keys, money in a safe accessible place or with someone you trust so that they can be grabbed or collected in a hurry.

Tell friends/neighbours that you trust, about your situation and ask them to call the police if they hear suspicious noises. If you don’t it is likely that they won’t want to get involved.

Teach your children, if and when appropriate to call for help. They should never use a phone in front of the abuser as this may endanger them further.

Create code words or a phrase for friends and children so that they know when to call for help and/or leave danger areas.

Use your judgement of the abuser to protect you and your children. You are in no way co-operating with the abuser if you give him what he wants in order to protect yourself.

Keep or learn a list of important phone numbers e.g. Police Domestic Abuse Unit, Outreach Worker, Solicitor, Doctor, School etc.

Keep your phone safe. It is extremely common for phones to be grabbed and destroyed in arguments. Preferrably have a second phone. Make your excuses before calling the police and call 999 away from your partner if possible.

Know what support is available in relation to refuges, injunctions and alarms.

Recommended safety kit:

Forms of identification

Marriage and birth certificates (originals or photocopies)

Passports (yours and childrens), visas and work permits

Money, credit card, phone bills and bank details

Change of clothes for you and your children

Toiletries

Keys for house, car and place of work

Child benefit and any other welfare benefits

Driving license and car registration documents if applicable

Prescribed medication and medical records

Legal documents (especially showing jointly owned property, rental agreements or book and details in relation to immigration status)

National insurance number and any other insurance documents.