Safety Planning 

A safety plan is a way of helping yourself and your children to plan in advance for any future abuse which might occur.  It helps you to try and increase safety both within the relationship and if you decide to leave. 

 

Whilst only your abuser has the power to stop the abuse, you have the power to increase your own and your children’s safety.  We know that you’re probably doing everything you can to protect yourself, however there might be some other things you can do. 

For example, look at any patterns to the violence, are there any triggers which set the violence off?  

• Plan how you might respond to a crisis situation 
• What options are available to you? 
• If possible keep a list of local women’s refuge organisations with you.  Also, the name of any friends or family who might be able to help, your GP or social worker and the Freephone 24 hour National Domestic Abuse helpline 0808 2000 247 
• Teach your children how to call 999 and what to say if there is an emergency.  Make sure they know their address and telephone number
• Rehearse an escape plan and pack an emergency bag for yourself and your children and hide it somewhere safe
• Try to keep a small amount of money with you at all times and also, if possible, your mobile phone
• If you suspect your partner is going to attack you, try to go to a low risk area within the house.  For example, avoid the kitchen where there are knives and other weapons readily available