Your safety if you are planning to leave

However long you have been dealing with the abuse at home, there may come a time when you decide that it’s time to leave.

Sometimes perpetrators will become more abusive if they know that you are considering leaving, so bear in mind that this may be a dangerous time for you. Contact us before you leave, so that our Domestic Abuse Service can help you leave in the safest way possible. When you leave, make sure that you:

Take important documents (see below)
Take a few different forms of ID for yourself and your children.
Remember this is a very dangerous time - leave when you know the perpetrator is not around.
Take your children with you, and try to bring their favourite toy if possible.

If you are planning to leave, try to take as many of these as possible:

Money/credit cards
Phone & phone charger (BUT make sure any tracking apps are turned off - for more information or guidance speak to our Domestic Abuse team)
Family passports
Visas
Birth certificates
Marriage certificates
Change of clothes
House/car keys
Medication
Medical records
Driving licence
Cheque books
Benefits statement, or anything with your NI number on it
Utility bills, with name and address
Any documents related to your home (tenancy agreements, council or mortgage letters)
Children's toys
Photos and anything of sentimental value