Domestic abuse

You do not have to wait for an emergency situation to find help. We have detailed below, how to create a safety plan. We will never tell you what to do, but we can give you this information and provide you with some contacts for when you feel ready.

Support organisations:

• www.womensaid.org.uk
• www.mensadviceline.org.uk
• Domestic abuse: how to get help - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
• Getting help for domestic violence and abuse - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
• Domestic violence - Refuge Charity - Domestic Violence Help

Plan in advance how you might respond in different situations

• If you suspect that your partner is about to attack you, try to go to a lower risk area of the house - for example where there is a way out and access to a telephone. Avoid the kitchen or garage where there are likely to be knives or other weapons; and avoid rooms where you might be trapped, such as the bathroom
• Keep with you any important and emergency telephone numbers (e.g. the 24 hour helpline number 0800 2000 247; your children's school; your solicitor and so on)
• Teach your children to call 999 in an emergency, and what they would need to say (for example, their full name, address and telephone number)
• Think about where you might go in an emergency. Are there neighbours you could trust? If so, tell them what is going on, and ask them to call the police if they hear sounds of a violent attack
• Rehearse an escape plan, so in an emergency you and the children can get away safely. Think about the safest routes in and out of your house
• Pack an emergency bag for yourself and your children, and hide it somewhere safe (for example, at a neighbour's or friend's house). Try to avoid mutual friends or family
• Try to keep a small amount of money on you at all times - including change for the phone and for bus fares
• Know where the nearest phone is, and if you have a mobile phone, try to keep it with you
• Be prepared to leave the house in an emergency.