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Leaving Safely
If you are in a domestic and family violence situation, the decision to leave is often a difficult one. It may take time to feel positive and hopeful about the future. This is quite normal. Some people may think it should be easy for a person to leave a relationship where domestic violence is happening.
The truth is that it may be very difficult to leave an abusive relationship. Some people experiencing domestic and family violence may also choose not to leave a relationship, as they believe staying in the relationship to be their safest option.
If you are experiencing domestic violence, one of the first things you might consider doing is to make a safety plan. A safety plan is a guide to protecting you and your children (if you have any) from violence. Safety plans are tailored to your situation, so if that situation changes, your safety plan should too. You are the best judge of your situation, and the person best placed to decide what is right for you and your children.
A safety plan can be:
- A guide to staying safe while remaining in the relationship and/ or house
- A plan for leaving an abusive situation
- A plan for after you leave your relationship and/ or house
Here are some situations you might consider making a plan for:
What to do during a violent incident
Where can you go in the house? Who can you call? What should your children do?
How to prepare to leave
What to pack, what documents you’ll need, and who to talk to?
How to escape the house
How to get out quickly and where to go?
How to keep safe after having left
Always consider things like changing locks, passwords, and safety settings.