Staying Safe
During the relationship there are many ways you can keep yourself safe from an escalation within the home, and possible dangers. Below are some things that can be put in place to improve your safety within the home and during the relationship:
Pack a ‘grab bag’; a bag of important documents, medications, spare clothes, and some money that can be kept in a safe place in case you need to leave the home quickly. This can be kept in your car (if safe to be left there), at a trusted friend's house, a locker at work etc.
If the situation is escalating move yourself to a room with a lock on the door, avoiding rooms with possible weapons, like the kitchen.
Keep your phone fully charged at all times and on you in case you need to call emergency services.
Talk to your neighbours about your situation (only if you feel safe to do so and trust them), asking that if they hear raised voices, they call the Police for you.
If safe to do so, turn off your location settings on your phone, so you cannot be tracked throughout the day.
Plan ‘code words’ with a trusted friend/family member, so if you text them the code word, they know to call the Police and request they attend your property.
After the relationship has ended the risk of post-separation abuse increases. Below are some suggestions of things you can do to keep yourself safe;
Turn off all location settings on your phone, so you cannot be tracked.
Change your routine, e.g. walk a different way to work, leaving at a different time you normally would so they cannot predict where you will be and turn up to see you.
Always walk in well lit, public spaces, so that if you are approached and feel uncomfortable or unsafe there will be members of the public who you can ask for help, as well as walking into public spaces, such as a coffee shop and ask a member of staff to call the Police to assist you.
Download different safety apps on your phone, such as the ‘Hollie Guard – Personal Safety’ App.
Download the ‘Kulpa’ App to a secure device they do not have access to (a friend could download this app onto their phone for you), where you can securely store evidence of assaults/harassment/threats etc. for the future, should you wish to pursue criminal charges
Change your passwords to social media accounts, email addresses, etc. that they could have access to.
We are here to help
We are available 24/7 on our HELPLINE 0800 7356836
Or you can email us on hello@freeda.org.je