Keeping yourself safe in an abusive relationship

Steps you can take to keep yourself and your children safe when you're living in an abusive relationship.

• Be ready to call 999 if you or your children are in danger

• Make notes of abusive incidents, including times, dates, names and details of injuries – these can be important if you need to access legal and welfare rights

• Keep copies of abusive text messages, emails and letters

• Keep some money and a set of keys in a safe place

• Find out about your legal and housing rights – talk to a solicitor if possible, our IDVA's can help with this

• Explore what civil or criminal options might be available to you, including restraining orders and injunctions such as non-molestation and occupation orders (which can ban a perpetrator from your home)

• Keep copies of important papers (passports, birth certificates, court orders, marriage certificate) in a safe place

• Carry a list of emergency numbers: police, relatives, friends, WWiN 0800 066 5555 and the National Domestic Violence Helpline

• Tell someone you trust about the abuse

• Make calls from a phone box or a friend’s house

• Report any injuries to your GP so there is a record of the abuse

• Talk to family and friends about staying with them in an emergency

• Think about safe escape routes

Remember, above all, the abuse is not your fault and WWiN are here to support you.