Safety Strategies

Table of Contents

• Within the house
• If you remain in the same house but the offender leaves
• When you are out of the house

Within the house

• stay away from the kitchen where implements such as knives could be used as a weapon
• stay out of rooms/places where you can be trapped
• stay in a room with windows or a door that you can escape through
• stay in a room with a phone so you can summon help, or find somewhere safe to use a phone, such as a telephone booth, a friend or neighbours house
• call out loud so someone can hear you
• carry a list of useful telephone numbers with you
• photocopy or keep safe important documents such as your passport, birth & marriage certificates, benefit books, savings books, cheque books, driving license, court orders etc
• consider opening a bank account in your name so you have some financial independence
• get a spare set of keys cut for the house and car and keep them in a safe place, or leave them with a neighbour or friend.
• think about who you could stay with should you leave
• keep spare change with you for taxi fares, telephone calls etc
• if you decide to leave, do so when the offender is not around
• take your children with you. Some teenagers may not want to leave, and in some cases it may be best not to force them.

If you remain in the same house but the offender leaves

• change all your locks - if you are in rented accommodation you may need to check this with your landlord/housing authority, or speak to a solicitor
• think about installing a security system such as a burglar alarm, and outdoor security lights
• speak to your local domestic abuse unit about the Sanctuary scheme. The Sanctuary scheme provides additional home security.
• install smoke and fire detectors
• think about making your telephone number ex directory
• if you do need to call the offender, dial 141 before calling as this disguises the number you are dialling from
• inform your neighbours that your partner has moved out of the address, even show them a picture and they can keep an eye out for them
• keep emergency numbers close to you
• use an answer phone to screen calls.

When you are out of the house

• tell people you know or work with so they are aware of your situation
• think about changing your usual routes home
• avoid going out on your own
• keep court orders and useful telephone numbers with you
• carry a personal alarm.