Planning a Safe Exit

Your safety (and your children's) is a priority.  Do you feel safe at home at the moment?

If you are considering leaving a violent situation and have time to plan your exit please consider these things:

• Documentation - can you hide or store documents such as such as Medicare cards, pension, bank details, marriage/birth certificate, passports, and drivers licence.
• If there is an intervention order or other legal papers, keep them with you.
• If possible, save money for transport or other costs.
• Clothing - keep a set for you and dependants/children in a bag in case there is a need to leave quickly.
• Have any spare medication easily available.
• If there are children, include some children's toys in the emergency packed bag.
• Carry a list of telephone numbers to call in an emergency.
• Keep a spare set of house/car keys in a safe place.
• Keep a mobile phone for emergency use.
• Talk to the children about the situation. They will probably be aware of what is going on. If appropriate, discuss the escape plan. If possible, take children/dependants with you as it can be difficult to gain access to them otherwise at a later date.
• If possible leave when the abuser is not around to ensure your safety.
• Support may be accessed from the police or other agency to return home to get other belongings later.

(with thanks to Barown South West Region Integrated Family Violence Project)