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Office: 01267 238410
24 hour helpline: 01267 234725
Keeping Myself Safe
Safety Plan
If you're experiencing domestic abuse, having your own safety plan can help you to protect yourself and any children you're responsible for. If you're planning to leave, it's a good idea to think ahead about how you'll do this as ending the relationship may not necessarily end the abuse. Please contact our team if you would like confidential support with creating a safety plan, tailored to your needs. If the abuse continues you can also seek help through the criminal or civil justice system.
CREATING A SAFETY PLAN
Remember that you're not responsible for the abuse and only the abuser can stop the violent or abusive behaviour, but these things might increase your safety:
Tell someone you trust about your situation, this may be a neighbour, friend or relative who may be able to call the police if they become aware of an incident. Agree an emergency code or phrase that will alert this person if you're in possible danger.
Identify a safe space within the house that you can go to if you feel unsafe. Avoid the kitchen or garage or any room you might get trapped in.
Teach your children to dial 999 in an emergency and what they would need to say, for example, their full name, address and telephone number.
If you cannot speak in an emergency or crisis situation, make a silent call by dialling 999 and then pressing 55 when prompted.
Pack an emergency bag for yourself and the children and hide it somewhere safe or with someone you trust.
Keep your important documents such as driving licence, passports, benefit and medical information safe and keep a small amount of money on you in case you need to leave in an emergency.
Keep your mobile phone with you, charged, and save important numbers. Think about any keys you'll need to take with you.
Have an escape plan in place in case you need to leave immediately. Where possible, take your children with you, speak to professionals and let them know what the situation is.
Seek emergency or medical treatment if you're injured or have experienced a physical or sexual assault.
Think in advance about your options and who you may need to speak to when you leave e.g. schools, GP, midwife, health visitor, your local domestic abuse service, police etc..
Learn how to turn off Location Services, GPS and Bluetooth on your mobile phone to avoid the perpetrator tracking you.
Soon after leaving, and when safe to do so, change your passwords e.g. online banking, social media accounts and email accounts to increase your digital security.
Consider installing smart phone apps that can provide enhanced levels of protection e.g. HollieGuard - Personal Safety App
If the abuse doesn’t stop, keep a record of any unwanted contact or incidents including dates, times and any photographs of injuries or damage to property. Only do this if it's safe to do so.
Remember in an emergency phone 999
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