Leeway, a shelter from domestic abuse

Domestic Violence Helpline Call 0845 241 2171 Now

How Can I Improve My Safety If I’m Not Staying In A Refuge?

Please call our qualified staff for detailed advice on 0845 241 2171

Here are some suggestions, but please remember every case is different so for advice specific to your needs we recommend you speak to one of our workers or use the Women’s Aid helpline.

If the perpetrator has moved out:

• If the Domestic Abuse is recent contact a solicitor as it may be possible to set injunction orders or change the locks
• If you are still in danger of being harassed you can speak to the police about having alarms installed on your house and receiving a mobile phone through the fones for safety scheme
• When you are walking out and about be aware of your ‘own space’ i.e. people around you
• Always let someone know where you are going

If still living with the perpetrator:

• Have help telephone numbers to hand. The names of the services could be disguised in your phone incase the perpetrator sees them
• Keep your mobile phone fully charged as much as possible
• If you can’t keep your mobile on you or with you all of the time always be aware of where you left it incase you need to get to it quickly
• Be careful not to act differently to arouse any suspicion with the perpetrator
• If you are able to, leave a small bag of over night clothes for yourself and any children around another family member’s or a friend’s house incase you need to leave suddenly
• Be aware of any common triggers in the perpetrators behaviour, to therefore avoid setting them off as much as possible
• Be aware of any dangerous items around the house, hide or remove them only if it would not cause suspicion