In an emergency: 000 (Police, fire & ambulance)

Domestic Violence Crisis help (24hrs): 1800 65 64 63

Keep the information of these services on you: Domestic Violence Support Service, General Practitioner, Real Estate Agent, Children’s School/Day care and Legal support.

The following tips can help minimise the risk to your safety. 
Remember, though, it is never your fault if violence occurs.

Preparation for an Emergency

  • Come up with a code word. Establish a word, phrase or signal you can use to let your friends, neighbours or co-workers know that you are in danger and the police should be called.

  • Pack an escape bag. Hide a bag (perhaps at a trusted friends house), including clothes, toiletries and medications for your self and children, a spare car key and house key, copies of important documents and some emergency cash.
    Documents might include: • Birth certificates and/or Marriage certificate • Apprehended Domestic Violence Order and/ or Family Court Orders • Passports for yourself and children • Drivers licence • Insurance policies • Taxation, employment and Income documents • Centrelink card or number • Medicare card or number • Bank account numbers and statements • Bank Cards, cheque books, credit cards • Department of Immigration & Citizenship documentation • Medical records including children’s Blue Books

  • Teach your children. Teach your children how and when to dial 000 and what to say. Teach your children the code word if they are old enough to understand the concept and tell them ahead of time what to do and where to go when they feel unsafe. With the children make a list of people that they can trust and how to contact them.

During a Violent Incident

  • Know where to go if your partner attacks or starts an argument. Avoid small, enclosed spaces without exits (such as closets or bathrooms) or rooms with weapons (such as the kitchen). If possible, head for a room with an outside door or window. If possible leave the house as soon as you see the signs that violence is about to begin.

  • Call the police as soon as it is safe to do so.

Staying Safe After Separation

  • Have mail redirected to a post box instead of a new address.

  • Inform children’s school or childcare about any ADVOs or Family Law Orders.

  • Increase security on your house or unit by installing outside sensor lights.

  • Change the locks on your house and ensure the windows are secure. Have security chains fitted to all entry doors and make sure they are used at all times when the door is answered by you or your children.

  • Contact the Australian Electoral Commission and ask for your name and address to be excluded from the published electoral role.

  • Keep a mobile phone with you at all times and pre-program any numbers you might need in an emergency; including the Police and domestic violence line (1800 65 64 63). 

  • Vary your travel routes to and from work. 

  • Tell neighbours that your partner does not live with you and ask them to call the police if he is seen near your house, or if they hear an assault occurring.