SAFETY PLANNING

SAFETY AND THE HOME

Creating a safety Plan can assist in protection from domestic violence. There are a number of ways that you can keep safe.

AT HOME

  • Keep a ‘go bag’ with spare car keys, money, a spare phone (with numbers programmed including DV Connect 1800 811 811), medication/ scripts, clothes (for you & kids) and important papers (copy of birth certificate, bank statements, other ID). Remember keep it in an accessible area
  • Work out who your support network is and talk to someone about the violence
  • Tell a trusted neighbour about violence and tell them to call the police if they hear disturbances from your house
  • Decide in the event of an emergency where you will go, a 24hr police station, friend, family member or women’s refuge
  • If you plan to leave, gather information about Centrelink, finances, support available and seek legal advice
  • Develop a simple safety plan with your children so they know what to do when domestic violence occurs at home. This could be running to a trusted neighbour in your street or simply meeting where your evacuation point is if there is a fire

IN PHYSICALLY VIOLENT SCENARIOS

  • Stay away from rooms with weapons and rooms with hard surfaces such as the kitchen and bathroom
  • Avoid rooms with no external exits such as a window or door to outside
  • Memorise the quickest and easiest escape route and ensure there are no obstacles.

SAFETY AFTER SEPARATION

  • Change the locks on all doors AND windows
  • Install security screens, sensor lights and if affordable; perhaps a security camera
  • Check smoke detectors and extinguishers
  • Increase safety of where you park your vehicle, get an automatic garage door opener, add more sensor lights and trim or remove shrubs and bushes
  • Tell your neighbours your partner no longer lives with you and to please contact the police if he is seen around the house
  • Change your mobile number and landline number

KEEP YOUR CONTACT DETAILS SECRET

  • Open new bank and phone accounts, the old records may show your location
  • Have mail redirected to a post office for some time, perhaps even get a post office box
  • Change your vehicle registration
  • Change your name (in extreme circumstance)
  • Obtain a new Tax File Number, Medicare Number, Centrelink Reference Number
  • Notify school of circumstances and discuss information recorded on “One School” if a school transfer is necessary
  • Remember to seek legal advice