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 danger call 000

Other useful numbers

• Safe Steps: 1800 015 188
• Need to talk? Call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732
• Men’s Referral Service:  1800 065 973
• Kid’s Help Line: 1800 551 800

Take these items if possible

Take these items if possible

• Money
• Keys to car, house, work
• Extra clothes
• Medications
• Birth certificates
• School and medical records (immunization records)
• Bank cards, credit cards, tax file number
• Driver’s license, car registration
• Healthcare card
• Medicare card and Centrelink information
• Passports, visa copies
• Lease, rental, mortgage and insurance papers
• Address book
• Pictures, jewellery, things that mean a lot to you
• Children’s things (toys, blankets, nappies etc.)
• Recent photograph of your ex-partner

If you are in a violent 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 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 child about domestic violence and how to include them into your safety plan
• Make up a code word with your children for when you need help
• 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 could run to for safety or contact in an emergency

Make a plan to leave

• Get a new Prepaid SIM Card with credit to use in your phone or have coins for a phone box
• Keep your bank account details private or open a new account so your abuser does not have access to your finances
• Use a public computer (e.g. library or community centre) or a friend’s computer that your abuser can’t access
• Keep a bag packed so you can easily take it with you. Hide it where you can get to it easily, or leave it with a trusted friend.
• Decide who you will call if you feel threatened or in danger

Once you leave a violent relationship

When abusers feel a loss of control, like when victims try to leave them, the abuse often gets worse. Take special care and seek support.

Get a Intervention Order (IO)

• Get a Family Violence Intervention Order from the court. Include your workplace and children in it. Keep a copy with you all the time.
• Advise your children’s carers who is allowed to pick them up. Give a copy of the Intervention Order to police, your employer, your children’s carers and school.

Security at home and 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.
• Advise work about your situation and ask them to screen your calls and block your emails. Give a copy of the Intervention Order and a picture of the abuser to your workplace.
• Change the locks on your house and car. Consider installing stronger doors, a security system and outside lights.

Keep your details private

• Change your mobile number and have it set on ‘private’ by your provider
• Get a P.O. Box for important mail or keep your home address private
• Don’t use the same stores that you did when you were with your abuser
• Ask government agencies like centrelink, medicare, gas, electricity, law firms, doctors, schools, hospitals etc to keep your details private.

Stay private online

• Change your email address. Avoid using any personal details as the account name.
• Have a computer technician check your computer for spyware programs.
• Delete your Facebook account and your kids’ accounts. People can accidently reveal your whereabouts and social circles without realising they have done so.

• Keep a neighbour’s phone number to call in an emergency