Safety Plans
Planning for your safety
If you are a victim of family violence your safety is a priority. Developing a safety plan is important if you are in relationship with someone who uses violent or controlling behaviours toward you; or if you are preparing to leave that relationship; or when you have left and are living safely after separation. You may have other people to include in your safety plan, such as your children or extended family members.You can contact a family violence service for assistance with making a safety plan or you can do you own. Remember to be mindful of your safety while preparing a safety plan.
For a copy of a Safety Plan in Easy English please click here to download.
Some of the things you will need to think about for a Safety Plan are:
1. Emergency contact numbers: Police
OOO
24/7 Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre
9322 3555
1800 015 188
How are you going to tell that person you need help?
Have code word for help
Keep their number in your mobile phone
This could be a trusted person, family or 24/7 police stations
Rehearse an escape plan
Where can you access money in an emergency?
Keep some cash handy
Banking details
ATM/Credit cards
If possible get a new phone
Be wary of phones that the perpetrator of family violence has had access too. This includes phones given to children
Use the block my number feature on yours and your children’s phone
Use the Caller ID feature
Regularly clear the recently dialled number log
Dial a “safe” number after contacting family violence services if using a land line
Phone charger
A phone card
Use a computer the perpetrator of family violence does not have access to
Create a new email or instant messaging accounts
Change passwords & pin numbers
Be aware of the risk of sharing information in online networks
Use the safety features on family violence websites that prevent the tracing of viewed pages
Talk to children, friends and family about online safety
Be wary of opening attachments & links by unknown sources or the perpetrator of family violence
www.dvrcv.org.au/knowledge-centre/technology-safety
Centrelink card
Medicare card
Intervention Order
Licence
Birth certificate
Passport
Marriage certificate
Citizenship papers
Other legal papers
Mortgage
Rental agreement
Insurance policies
Will
Tax File Number
Keep spare copies of these documents in a sealed plastic container with your trusted person
Clothing packed for an emergency
Current medication
Prescription/s
House keys
Car keys
Office keys
Clothing packed for an emergency
Toys and books
A favourite comfort toy
Any medication they may need
Bottles, dummies
Intervention Orders or Family Court Orders for the children
Do they need their own safety plan?
The pet
Any pet care things
Consider and address any barriers that might prevent you from implementing your safety plan