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Safety Planning - What to do if you need to escape

If you are considering leaving a violent relationship, you will probably have many questions and apprehensions about what happens next.

When devising a Safety Plan, you should:

Know where to go and what to do in an emergency
Call 999 in the event of an emergency.
You can contact the Domestic Abuse Unit of Wolverhampton on 01902 649032
Teach your children what to do in an emergency. Tell them to call 999 and be able to give your address.
Devise an escape route out of your house.
Know where your nearest working phone box is.
Have any bruises or injuries recorded by a doctor for future use in any legal proceedings, rehousing procedures, etc. You can also take picture using a camera or mobile phone camera.

Where Can I Go?
Be prepared! Know your local services:
Local refuges/hostels (such as The Haven Wolverhampton – 01902 713 001, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
National Women’s Aid Number - 0808 2000 247, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Homeless Family Unit of the local Council (Wolverhampton City Council Homeless Services - 01902 554747, 554807, 554741 or 551037)
Social Services
Solicitors

What Do I Take With Me?
Try to gather the items you want to take over a period of time. Be careful not to draw the perpetrator’s attention to your actions.

You will need identification. This is important when trying to apply for benefits and accessing housing and legal proceedings.

The list below includes items which will be useful – but it is not worth putting yourself at risk in trying to pack them. If you cannot take the items listed on the left, you should have two forms of identification from the following list:
Child benefit Medical cards
Benefit Books Bills
Passport Tenancy Agreement
Full Driving License Letters addressed to you
  Library card

Pack a small bag if possible with:
Medicine
Underwear
Nappies/bottles
Photos
Children’s favourite toys

Additional Measures...
Is there anyone else who you could involve who you trust? It can be an added safety measure if someone else knows of your plans, BUT they must be someone you can trust. E.g. Head teacher/ form teacher, neighbour, employer, etc.

Before Leaving...
If the last number you dialled was a taxi, refuge or the place you are going, dial another number – for example, the Speaking Clock (dial 123)
Do not leave pieces of paper with names, numbers or addresses on them. Remember that writing can be imprinted through more than one page on a jotter/note pad.

 
  Page reviewed
on 03/08/06
Visitors since
01/01/05: