Family Violence Safety Plan

Use this information to make a safety plan that works for you.

If you are in danger

If you are in immediate danger call 000

Other useful numbers

• Safe Steps 24/7: 1800 015 188
• Need to talk? Call 1800RESPECT on 1800 015 188
• Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800
• Lifeline: 13 11 14

WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU

If you need to leave home – take these things with you:

• Money (including cash and cards)
• Keys to car, house and work
• Mobile phone and charge
• Extra clothes
• Medications
• Birth certificates
• School and medical records (include immunization records)
• ATM and credit cards
• Tax File Number documentation
• Driver’s License and car registration details
• Medicare card, Healthcare card and Centrelink information
• Passports and visa documents
• Lease, rental, mortgage and insurance papers
• Address book
• Pictures, jewellery, things that mean a lot to you
• Children’s things (toys, blankets, nappies etc.)

Remember to regularly update your safety plan. 

If you are in aN ABUSIVE relationship

It’s easier to leave a violent partner if you have a clear plan. Follow these steps when preparing to leave.

In an emergency

• If you are in immediate danger call 000
• Go to a safe place in your home, where you can leave easily. Avoid areas where objects may be used as weapons.

How to keep children safe

• Seek advice on how to talk to your children (depending on age) about family violence and how to include them in your safety plan.
• Make up a code word with your children so they know what to do when things become unsafe. For example, a word that means ‘hide in your room’ or ‘go to the neighbours house’.
• Teach children how to dial 000 and practice what to say. “My name is__. My address is__ and my mum is being hurt”. Tell children not to hang up the phone so services can hear what is happening and find you.
• Tell your children which neighbour, friend or relative they can run to for safety or contact in an emergency.
• Talk to your children about safer use of social media.

Make a plan to leave

If you are living with the person using violence – change your web browser settings – search in private mode or clear browser history entirely.

• Contact a domestic or family violence service.
• Try to get a new phone with a new sim card, you can pick both of these up from the supermarket.
• Keep your bank account details private from your abuser or open a new account.

• Use a public computer (e.g. local Library) or a friend’s computer, not one at home.
• Keep a bag packed so you can easily take it. Hide it or leave it with a trusted friend.
• Decide who you will call if you feel threatened or in danger.
• Keep a neighbour’s phone number to call in an emergency.

ONCE YOU LEAVE aN ABUSIVE relationship

Technology

• Make sure you remove your devices from any cloud services – so devices across the family are not shared.
• Change your device and account setting, but you can alert the perpetrator that something is happening, so be careful and plan how to do this first.
• For more information on technology safety planning go to the WESNET website – technology safety plan
• Set your social media accounts to private and change the passwords for logging in, do not post any information about where you are located or anywhere you visit.
• Have a technician check your computer or tablet device for spyware.
• Do not enable GPS on your devices.

Security at home and at work

• Tell friends and neighbours that your abuser no longer lives with you. Ask them to call the police if they see your abuser near your home or children.
• Get an Intervention Order (FVIO) from the Police Station or a Magistrate’s Court, include your workplace and children in it. Keep a copy with you at all times. Give a copy to your employer, your children/s carers and school.
• Advise work about the situation and ask them to screen your calls and block any emails from outside the organisation. Give them a copy of the FVIO and a photo of the abuser for security.
• If you have to stay at home, make sure you change the locks to secure the house and install cameras and outside lights.
• If you see the perpetrator go to a public/busy place as soon as possible.

Keep your details private

• After you have changed your mobile number then set it to private.
• Get a Post Office Box for important mail or keep your home address completely private.
• Change your usual routine, walk a different route, shop in different areas, catch another form of transport.
• Change your email address, avoid using personal details as the account name.