South Ayrshire Multi Agency Partnership
Information For Women
Safety Planning
If you think you might need to escape from the abuse in a hurry, work out now
what you would need and where you would go.
- If you can, tell a trusted person what your plan is.
- Try to have some money hidden away for taxis, bus or train fares, and phone calls.
- Try to have your Child Benefit book, rent book, mortgage papers, marriage, birth
certificates and passport handy to take with you. Don't worry if you cannot manage
this as you can obtain copies once you have left.
- Try to have a change of clothes for you and any children at a friend's house.
- Try to have some photos or toys at a friend's too as these can help you and your
children cope with change.
- If possible have a set of keys to your home.
- Have a list of emergency phone numbers - but keep them discretely.
If you have left the relationship:
- Let others know about your situation, eg school, work and the police.
- Review safety of childcare arrangements and inform school or nursery.
- Vary your routine.
- Change your phone number.
- Screen your phonecalls
- Get a solicitor who is experienced in working with women fleeing from domestic abuse.
Women's Aid or the Citizens Advice Bureau may have information about local contacts.
- Document any contacts with your abuser, eg save answering machine messages or letters;
make a note of dates and times of any incidents.
- Make sure there are strong locks on doors and windows (change locks if the abuser
has a key). You may be able to get help with this from the Additional Security Project.
- If you have an interdict, consider asking neighbours to phone the police if they
see your abuser.
At your place of work discuss with your line manager:
- Having your phone calls screened.
- Reviewing your work schedule, changing work hours.
- Moving to another part of the building/organisation.
- Parking closer to the building for easier entry and exit. Having an escort to and
from the car.
- Opportunities for relocation.
- Use a variety of routes to get to and from work.
- Provide an emergency contact person.