• Keep with you important and emergency telephone numbers (for example, the JWA Helpline 0800 59 12 03, the Free-phone 24 Hour National Domestic Violence Helpline for emergency out-of-hours accommodation 0808 2000 247; the police domestic violence unit; your GP; your social worker if you have one; your children's school; your solicitor etc…).
  
  
• Teach your children to call 999 in an emergency and what they would need to say (for example, their full name, address and telephone number).
  
  
• Are there neighbours you could trust, and somewhere you can go in an emergency? If so, tell them what is going on, and ask them to call the police if they hear sounds of a violent attack.
  
  
• Rehearse an escape plan, so in an emergency you and the children can get away safely.
  
  
• Pack an emergency bag for yourself and your children, and hide it somewhere safe (for example, at a neighbour's or friend's house). Try to avoid mutual friends or family.
  
  
• Try to keep a small amount of money on you at all times - including change for the phone and for bus fares.
  
  
• Know where the nearest phone is, and if you have a mobile phone, try to keep it with you.
  
  
• If you suspect that your partner is about to attack you, try to go to a lower risk area of the house - for example where there is a way out and access to a telephone. Avoid the kitchen or arage where there are likely to be knives or other weapons; and avoid rooms where you might be trapped, such as the bathroom, or where you might be shut into a cupboard or other small space.

BE PREPARED TO LEAVE THE HOUSE IN AN EMERGENCY!