How can I stay safe?

You can’t stop your abuser’s violence and abuse – only they can do that – but there are things you can do to increase your own and your children’s safety either in the relationship or if you leave, including developing a personal safety plan:

• Stay in touch & talk to your family, friends, co-workers or support networks
• Contact the agencies in the section ‘How to get help’ for further information and support
• Take threats seriously, and plan how you might respond in different situations
• Know where you will go in a crisis and how you will get there.
• Hide an emergency bag somewhere safe and pack an extra set of car keys, ID documents, birth certificates, insurance cards, medication, driving licence etc

You could also contact a local service like RISE or Victim Support for information and advice, or speak with a national helpline. Remember in an emergency, call 999.