Ideally, you need to take all the following items with you if you leave. Some of these items you can try to keep with you at all times; others you may be able to pack in your 'emergency bag'.

• Some form of identification.
• Birth certificates for you and your children.
• Passports (including passports for all your children), visas and work permits.
• Money, bankbooks, cheque book and credit and debit cards.
• Keys for the house, car, and your place of work. (You could get an extra set of keys cut, and put them in your emergency bag.)
• Cards for payment of Child Benefit and any other welfare benefits you are entitled to.
• Driving licence (if you have one) and car registration documents, if applicable.
• Prescribed medication.
• Copies of documents relating to your housing tenure (for example, mortgage details or lease and rental agreements).
• Insurance documents, including national insurance number.
• Address book.
• Family photographs, your diary, jewellery, small items of sentimental value.
• Clothing and toiletries for you and your children.
• Your children's favourite small toys.

You should also take any documentation relating to the abuse - e.g. police reports, court orders such as injunctions and restraining orders, and copies of medical records if you have them.