Emergency escape plan

Being prepared

An Emergency Escape Plan (EEP) is designed to help you prepare to flee your situation of domestic abuse. It involves gathering together important items and information so that you are prepared to flee your location if the opportunity or need arises. If you are feeling uncomfortable in your situation, make an EEP so that you are prepared. Situations can get worse over time, or can escalate very suddenly. You may never need your EEP, but it is better to have it. Keep in mind your safety when creating your EEP. Do not put yourself at risk. If you need to flee with nothing in order to be safe, then do so. Organisations like Gilgal can support you in having new documentation issued if absolutely necessary.

Gather your essential items

• Passport
• Driving licence
• Birth certificate of yourself and your children
• Medical card if you or your children have one
• Any medications you or your children are taking
• Bank account details 

These items can be very difficult and expensive to replace. Gather them in a place that makes sense in your normal routine, for example a drawer or folder, that you can access quickly should you need to flee. 

Consider packing a go-bag

Only do this if you are able to without raising suspicions. Consider keeping it at a trusted friend’s house if possible so that your perpetrator won’t stumble across it.

We recommend you pack:

• Clothes and underwear for yourself and your children for a few days
• Some money, if you are able
• A spare set of door and car keys, if you are able
• A spare phone charger, if you are able

Remember that you will not be able to pack and take everything with you, such as photographs and toys. Prepare only the essentials so that you can flee quickly.

If you do not have spares, be aware of where your phone, charger, keys and bank cards are so that you can gather them quickly. If you drive, know where your car keys are.

Logistics to consider

• Where are you going, and how are you getting there?
• Are you able to contact the police in an emergency?
• Do you have trusted family and friends who know your situation and can help? Consider deciding on a code word or message you can send so that you can alert loved ones that you are in danger. 
• If you have older children, consider discussing the plan and code words with them beforehand so they are prepared to act. 

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list. Assess the risk in your own situation and decide what you can safely bring. 
Remember that you can disclose your situation to trusted professionals in your community, such as the police, social workers, GPs, and your children’s teachers. Ask to speak to a DSL (Designated Safeguarding Lead) to discuss your situation at home. These people can help you plan your logistics and refer you for further support.  

If you need support in writing your EEP, we can help you. Call us on 0800 008 6622 to discuss your EEP and ask any questions you have. We can help you plan logistics and arrange transport as well as discuss anything you may need on arrival.

Your safety is the most important thing. Do not put yourself at risk. If you find lists helpful, download the EEP checklist to make sure you have everything you need. Only do this if it is safe for you to do so. Do not leave the checklist lying around; consider keeping it at a trusted friend’s house or saving it under a different name. 


Gilgal is here to help

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