Changing Pathways will help you create a safety plan whether you are living with an abuser, planning to leave or have moved on. You can always create your own safety plan by considering the following:
How to stay safe in your home
- Have an escape route from the home in case you need to leave quickly (including with your children).
- Consider having a ‘safe room’ which you can lock if necessary.
- If a situation at home is escalating, move out of the kitchen or any areas of the home where weapons can be quickly accessed.
- Have a bag or a drawer prepared with some spare clothes and ID for yourself and your children if you have them, to enable you to leave quickly.
- Consider letting neighbours know your situation; they can call for help on your behalf and can often provide evidence.
- Call 999 (and teach your children how to do the same) if there is an emergency. Remember the ‘silent solution’; if you can’t speak, you can press 55 to notify the operator.
- Consider downloading the ‘Hollieguard’ app for yourself and your children so you can alert an emergency contact if needed.
- Delete website and phone history if you have been seeking help for the abuse.
Leaving safely
- Risk increases when a relationship ends; plan to leave without letting your abuser know.
- If it’s too dangerous for you to keep a bag packed, consider keeping essential belongings in a drawer that you can pack into a bag quickly. Alternatively consider giving a packed bag to a friend.
- Leave when your abuser is not present.
- Keep important phone numbers with you and make sure your phone is charged.
- Keep important ID and financial documents with you.
- If you need to leave quickly, go to a police station or council office. They should be able to help you access refuge accommodation.
Emergency help
- Always call 999 in an emergency. If you are unable to speak, pressing 55 will alert the operator
- Consider downloading Hollieguard if it is safe to do so.
Contact us for help constructing a personalised safety plan.
