Considering your personal safety can help you identify potential dangers. Consider the following and take action based on what you believe is most appropriate to protect yourself. Remember you are always the best judge of your situation and how you choose to respond.
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If you are in immediate danger and have experienced behaviours including:
- Threats of physical violence
- The abuser has access to weapons or has threatened to use them
- Abuse is happening more often or gets worse each time
- The abuser has expressed intent to harm or kill
- You are in an isolated place with the abuser, including your home or place where there are no witnesses to violence
Action: Call emergency services immediately (Triple zero or 000 in Australia), and:
- Follow your safety plan if prepared.
- Leave the house or place where the violence is happening, if possible.
- Text a trusted friend or family member to call the police or intervene safely.
- Attract attention from neighbours.
- Seek refuge at a local domestic violence shelter (See Service Directory).
- Call domestic violence services (See Service Directory).
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If you are not in immediate danger but feel that violence could escalate, including:
- Increased control and monitoring by the abuser
- Verbal threats or intimidation
- Being stalked or followed at work, home, or social places
- Unpredictable behaviour by the abuser
- Feeling emotionally overpowered by the abuser
Action:
- Prepare a detailed safety plan and pack a go-bag with essential items.
- Tell a friend or family member.
- Change the locks or take physical precautions to increase safety at home.
- Use your personal devices securely so the abuser cannot monitor them.
- Safely collect evidence of abuse.
- Research domestic violence resources to learn more, including reading Yourtoolkit.com
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If you feel relatively safe but are concerned about the possibility of future violence. You may have experienced:
- Past incidents of violence with no recent occurrences
- Manipulative behaviour but no immediate threats by the abuser
- Fear about the potential retaliation if the relationship ends
Action: Focus on maintaining your safety and building long-term stability, and:
- Build your financial independence, including personal financial planning.
- Secure legal protection, including understanding the separation process and what you need to maintain your quality of life.
- Access counselling services for emotional support.
- Work on building your self-confidence. Remember you are not alone. Support and resources are available to help you navigate this journey.