Safety Plan

There are steps that a person can take themselves to help them to be safer:

Have a safety plan ready (this is all about being prepared in an emergency situation. The information below will assist in putting a plan together).
Consider confiding in someone you can trust. If you have good neighbours they are ideal as they can listen out for any trouble and get help for you.
Make arrangements so that you always have somewhere to go in an emergency.
Have a bag packed and ready. Keep it in a safe hiding place, but somewhere you can retrieve it quickly. Perhaps with a friend or neighbour.
Think about the things you will need to take with you, important documents, money, chequebook etc., keys, telephone numbers, and medication.
If you do not reside with the abuser make sure the security of your house is adequate. There may be funding available to help you with this, (your local Helpline/Domestic Violence Liaison Officer (DVLO) will have details).
If you no longer reside with the abuser make sure your neighbours are aware of this so they can alert you and/or the local police if they see the abuser in the vicinity of your home.

If an incident is unavoidable:

Get out of danger if you can.
Move to a room or area where there is access to an exit. Avoid the bathroom, kitchen or anywhere near any potential weapons.
Try to have a plan ready which will enable you to access help. This could include alerting neighbours, through a pre-arranged signal (make sure they know exactly what you want them to do to help), having access to a mobile telephone, silent alarm etc. or perhaps teaching your children to call the police.
Teach your children that it is not safe for them to intervene directly.

After an incident:

If you received injuries try and ensure you receive medical help and that your injuries are recorded and if possible photographed. Whilst you may not be ready to take action against your abuser on this occasion the evidence can often be used in later proceedings.
If you can, do try and seek professional advice. There is lots of help available (see contacts) and you will receive the support you need. You will not be forced into doing anything you don't want to. You will be given the support to help you make the right decisions for you and your children.
If you can't seek professional help try to tell someone who you trust and who can offer you the support you will need. Don't think that it is only happening to you and be ashamed. It is not your fault and you deserve to receive help and support.

DON'T SUFFER IN SILENCE - THERE IS HELP IS AVAILABLE