Make sure someone you trust knows what you are suffering.
Move to a safer room if you anticipate violence - avoid the kitchen or bathroom where there may be items that can be used as weapons and hard surfaces.
Plan an escape route from every room in the house.
Put handbag/keys/money in a safe accessible place or with someone you trust so that they can be grabbed in a hurry.
Let friends/neighbours that you trust, know about your situation and ask them to call the police if they hear suspicious noises.
Teach your children, if and when appropriate to call for help. They should never use a phone in front of the abuser as this may endanger them further.
Talk to children about what is happening and encourage them to call for help and not to intervene.
Create code words or a phrase for friends and children so that they know when to call for help and/or leave danger areas.
To avoid confusion keep the code the same for everyone and made sure that they know where you are if you activate it by phone.
Plan where to go in an emergency and have an alternative route.
Use your judgement of the abuser to protect you and your children. You are in no way co-operating with the abuser if you give him what he wants in order to protect yourself.
Keep or learn a list of important phone numbers e.g. Police Domestic Abuse Unit, Outreach Worker, Solicitor, Doctor, School etc.
