If you are being affected by domestic violence and abuse, it’s a good idea to plan ahead for your safety.

This page includes ideas of what you may like to think about when making your own safety plan.

Be aware that if you keep this plan written down that your abuser may find it, and become angry or suspicious, which may endanger you.

If you choose to stay:

It’s a good idea to tell someone you trust about what’s happening. Talking can be really helpful, as it widens your support network, and increases your choices and options.

You can ask a trusted friend or relative to call you regularly and check on your safety.

Think through escape routes in advance. If a situation starts, try to stay out of rooms with no exit or with weapons in them, like the kitchen.

If you can, keep a phone accessible all the time. Charge it, try to keep some credit on it, and if you can, store the numbers of helpful agencies on it under code names.

If you have children, practice with them what they can do to stay safe. They could phone the police, or a friend, or get out of the house. It’s important that they don't get involved as they may get hurt badly.

If violence in unavoidable, try to make yourself as small a target as possible. Curl up and protect your head.

If you are injured, go to your GP or Hospital as soon as you can. Tell them what has happened and ask them to keep a record of your visit.

If you can keep a log of what’s happening in a safe place, then this can help you keep track of how things are and whether they are getting worse. You can also use this if you choose to take action in the future.

Don’t be afraid to call 999

If you are in immediate danger

If you decide to leave or end the relationship.
Tell someone you trust what you intend to do. Talk it through. But be careful who this is, as you don’t want any information going back to your abuser.
If you have to leave your home, pack a bag and store it somewhere secret until you can leave.
Include:
  • Passports
  • Birth certificates
  • Keys to house/ office/ car
  • Benefit letter
  • Prescriptions/medicines
  • Telephone numbers
  • Children’s favourite toy
  • Something comforting for you

Please Remember

If you can’t take anything - you can go back later with the police.

It isn’t worth losing

your life for your belongings.

  • You may want to consider getting legal advice about injunctions or child contact. You may be able to stay in your home with the aid of an injunction.
  • You may want to talk thing over with a support Worker at Trafford Women’s Aid
  • Think about changing you phone number.
  • Let children’s school/child minders know what the situation is.
  • Let your employer know – they could screen your calls, change your shifts etc.
  • Keep a journal
  • Talk, talk and talk some more...