Safety plan

A personal safety plan is a way of helping you to protect yourself and your children.

 

It helps you plan in advance for the possibility of future abuse and violence, and may help you to stay safe. When you’re thinking about your safety, consider the following:

  • Plan in advance how you might respond in different situations, including crisis.
  • Think about the different options that are available to you - are there friends or neighbours you can approach?
  • Keep important numbers with you like the local refuge or outreach service, or the police domestic abuse unit
  • Try to keep a small amount of money with you at all times for bus fares or phone calls.
  • Find out where the nearest phone is or keep your mobile with you at all times.
  • If you feel that your partner is about to attack you try to get to a place where there is more of a chance that you can escape or where there is a telephone. Avoid small places like the bathroom where you could become trapped, or places where there is easy access to weapons or knives.
  • Be prepared to leave the house in an emergency - have essential items with you or available at all times. Maybe pack a small bag in case of an emergency and keep this in a safe place.
  • If it’s possible, teach your children to call 999 in an emergency and let them know what they would need to say (e.g. To give the address, their name and telephone number)

 

If you are planning to leave your partner, always do so when it is going to be the safest time for you, when they are at work or out of the house. Here's a list of the types of documents you should take with you: birth certificates, immigration documents (where relevant), passports, Benefit entitlement proof, National Insurance number, bank documents / cards, vehicle documents, prescribed medications or prescriptions, family photos (or anything of sentimental value), your child’s favourite toy / blanket.

 

In the immediate time after you've left or if they suspect you are about to leave, your partner may become increasingly dangerous in his behaviour. Remember, your safety is paramount - you should contact the police if you are in danger.

 

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"Remember, your safety is paramount - you should contact the police if you are in danger"