Advice for those experiencing domestic abuse
It is your right to live safely in your home without fear of abuse.
If this is happening to you, you are not alone. One in four women and one in six men experience domestic abuse in their lifetime. You may feel ashamed, scared, isolated, humiliated, confused, afraid you won't be believed or that the abuse will get worse if you report it. You are not to blame! Do not suffer in silence, as there are people who can help.
There are laws to protect you from domestic abuse and there is help out there. Our domestic abuse directory document below contains useful contact details.
Domestic abuse directory [800KB]
If you decide to leave remember to take:
- Money - If possible, have some money saved in case you need to use a taxi or bus. Take your credit cards, cheques, saving and giro books and current and unpaid bills. If you don't have a mobile phone, find somewhere you can quickly and safely use the phone should you need to.
- Important documents - Take important documents such as your marriage and birth certificate, any court order, passport, benefit and bank books, and health records. Also remember to take the child benefit book and other legal and financial papers you may have.
- Keys - Take any keys you have or if there is time have an extra set made of the house, car and office keys before you leave.
- Emergency addresses and contact numbers - Make a list of school, friends and family phone numbers and numbers of relevant domestic abuse agencies.
- A small bag - Have a small bag already packed with an extra set of keys for the house and car should you need to leave in an emergency. You may prefer to leave this with a trusted friend.
- Medicines - Take essential medicines that you and your children need.
- Toys - Sometimes it is difficult to carry much but your children may be confused and upset and a special toy or comforter may help them.
If you later discover that you have left something essential behind, you can always arrange for a police escort so that you can return for it.