Family Violence Safety Plan

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Safety Plan

1 in 3 Australian women experience family violence. If you are in this situation and you and your children’s safety is at risk, you may need to leave in a hurry.

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 737 732
  • 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. Safer places in your home are where there are two exits and no hard surfaces.

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.

 

 

Experiencing family violence? Click below to make a plan that works for you.

Go to safety plan