24 Hour Domestic Violence Help-line

  If you aren’t ready to leave the relationship there are still steps you can take to keep safer:

• Have a plan for what you can do in the event of your partner being violent or abusive.

• Think about quick routes out of the house

• Think about letting a friend or family know of the situation and asking them for a safe place to go if you need it.

• Teach your children how to dial 999 and what they need to say in an emergency.

• Pack an emergency bag that you can keep somewhere safe or at a trusted friends or neighbours.

• Try to keep your mobile phone with you and charged up or know where to find a phone if necessary.

• If you suspect you are going to be attacked avoid high-risk areas such as the kitchen and try and avoid rooms where you may be trapped e.g. bathrooms. Try to stay in areas of the house with a way out.

• If you want to stay in the house but ask him to leave, there are steps you can take to make your staying safer:

• Apply for an injunction (see a solicitor)

• Ask your landlord to change the locks or change the locks yourself if it is your house

• If you live in a Nottingham City Homes Property or some Housing Association Properties you can ask for provision of extra security.

• Access floating support or outreach support through Women's Aid Advice Centre to assist you in staying at home.

• Get an alarm fitted

• Inform neighbours and agencies that may be involved that you have asked him to leave and that he is no longer living with you.

See the following for more detailed information on leaving and staying:

http://www.womensaid.org.uk/survivors_handbook/safety_plan.htm

Creating a safety plan - a safety plan helps you to think about how you might be safer if you are staying in the relationship or how you might make leaving safer.  If you can go through a safety plan with a friend or worker you might find it a useful tool, however remember not to write out your plan and keep it at home.  Keep the information in your head or leave it with a friend that you know you can trust. The safety plan is available for download if you click on the link to the right.