If you are a woman experiencing domestic violence then your safety is the most important thing. Do not put yourself at risk. If you have to leave with nothing, in order to be safe, then do so.

However, if you are able to plan your exit here are some tips you might want to consider:

• Hide a set of car keys.
• Pack a bag with keys, extra clothes, important papers, money, and medicines. You might keep it at a friend’s house.
• Have a plan for calling the police in an emergency. You might have a code word so your kids, family, friends, or co-workers know you’re in danger.
• Know where you’ll go and how you’ll get there.

If you are able to pack a bag then here are some practical items it would be helpful for you to pack:

• Bank cards and bank account details
• Door keys
• Money
• Identification (passport, medical card)
• Children’s birth certificate
• Any medication you are taking
• Mobile phone