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Safety Planning

Helping develop a personalised plan for your safety now and in the future.
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Working together towards a brighter future

Experiencing domestic abuse can feel scary and isolating. ESDAS can help you create a safety plan tailored to your situation. If you are in immediate danger, call 999.

If leaving the relationship is not possible or you’re not ready for that, there are steps you can take to stay safer:

Safety at home

  • Move to safer rooms if violence is likely, avoiding kitchens or bathrooms where items could be used as weapons.
  • Plan an escape route from every room.
  • Keep important items (keys, phone, money) in an accessible, safe place.
  • Share your situation with someone you trust and arrange for them to contact the police if necessary.
  • Teach children to call for help safely, without intervening, and use code words for emergencies.
  • Plan where to go in an emergency, with alternative routes.
  • Use your judgment to protect yourself and your children; prioritising safety is not collusion.
  • Keep a list of important contacts: outreach worker, solicitor, doctor, etc.

Safety Planning for leaving

Leaving is often the most dangerous time, we would also advise seeking specialist advice from ESDAS. To prepare safely:

  • Keep all important documents together, including sentimental items.
  • Save money for travel and expenses.
  • Only tell people you trust where you are going.
  • Technology and online presence needs to be considered, as this could disclose your location and other private information. Consider changing passwords, increasing privacy settings, adding 2 factor authentication or temporarily removing social media accounts. This includes Family tracking apps like Life360, Find My iPhone, and Google Maps.
  • Consider creating an emergency bag with:
    • ID: passport, birth/marriage certificate, driving licence, insurance papers.
    • Money: cash, cards, benefits books.
    • Medical: medicines, prescriptions, vaccination records.
    • Legal: injunctions, divorce papers, mortgage documents.
    • Special items: child’s toy, photos, jewellery.
    • Basic clothing.
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Safety after leaving

  • Inform trusted friends and neighbours that your partner has left, and ask them to call the police if necessary.
  • Change locks and secure doors/windows; use chains when answering the door.
  • Notify people who care for your children who has permission to collect them.
  • Change phone numbers and screen calls at work.
  • Vary your routines for shopping, travel, and social activities.

Long-term considerations

  • Keep a record of abuse to support future legal action; log incidents with the police even if you don’t press charges immediately.
  • Increase financial independence by opening a separate bank account.
  • Keep important documents safe, either hidden at home or with trusted friends/relatives.

Cyber safety

What are my rights?
What happens when you contact ESDAS?
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Remember: Every situation is unique. ESDAS can support you in creating a personalised safety plan and accessing legal, housing, and practical support.

Resources

SafeLives

Empowering individuals to recognise abuse and access vital help. Learn how to stay safe and support others through practical, trusted guidance.

Visit SafeLives

Refuge Tech Safety

Guidance on staying secure online and protecting your privacy. Discover how technology can support safety and independence.

Visit Refuge Tech Safety

Online Safety Act

Understand your digital rights and how new safety measures protect users from harm. Learn what the changes mean for you.

Read the OSA