Making a safety plan

Having a safety plan can help for those times when you feel unsafe or are at risk of being hurt.

A support service can help you make a detailed safety plan. Find a local support service near you.

You can also make a simple safety plan for yourself with help from a friend or family member.

Things to include in your plan

You will already have good ideas about things you can do when you feel unsafe. Start your safety plan by thinking about where and how you can get help if you need it. You can write these ideas down and keep your plan where no one else will see it. You might choose to share it with a friend or support person.

The following suggestions are examples of what you can include in your safety plan.

Safety at home

• Decide who to call if you feel threatened or in danger. This might be the police but could also be a family member, friend, or neighbour you know and trust. Ask them to call the police on Triple Zero (000) if they hear violence or abuse.
• Make a list of emergency phone numbers.
• Contact trusted family and friends and set up a code word that you can text them in case you need them to call Triple Zero (000) on your behalf.
• Decide on a safe place to go if you need to leave in a hurry and practice travelling to that location. If you have children, have a safety plan for them, including a safe place they can go if you are unable to get away.
• Download any apps to your mobile phone to connect to local services.
• Take steps to protect your personal information and online security. Find out how to secure your accounts and devices. The eSafety Commissioner has resources to empower women to take control online.
• If possible, save some money for a taxi, bus, or train for emergency transportation to a safe place.
• Keep extra keys to your house and car in a safe place. Find out how to protect your licence or registration information.
• Pack an escape bag in case you need to leave quickly.
• Keep essential items with someone you can trust. This might include clothing, medications, documents, keys, and money.
• Decide on arrangements for your pets if you need to leave and they are at risk of harm. Pets in Crisis provides temporary care of animals with trained, volunteer foster carers.

Read more about staying safe at home.

Safety after leaving

• If you can, find ways to increase security at home, like outdoor lights, extra window or door locks, or gates.
• If possible, park your car on the street instead of in the driveway so you can't be blocked in.
• Consider changing your mobile phone number and setting 'private'. Use email if you need to stay in contact with the person using violence. This is also an easier way to keep a record of your conversations.
• You can also consider changing passwords of online accounts including your bank account, utilities and myGov.
• Consider getting a PO Box if the person using violence has or could get access to your home or letterbox.
• If you see the person using violence, move to a public or busy place as soon as possible.
• After leaving, try to change your normal routines. This could be catching different trains or buses, leaving home or work at different hours, or shopping in different places.
• Talk to a support service or the police about getting a Domestic Violence Order if you don’t already have one. Find out how to get protection from the court.
• Tell your employer of any protection orders that prevent the person using violence from coming near your work. Keep a copy of your order at work or in your bag. Learn more about supporting someone in the workplace.

Read more about staying safe if you leave.

Getting help

You do not have to do all of this alone. There are people and services to help you:

• Call DVConnect Womensline to seek support on 1800 811 811
• find a local support service near you.