Domestic Abuse Awareness Month 2026
Experiencing domestic abuse is not uncommon, nor is wanting to leave an abusive relationship. However, leaving a relationship of this nature can be difficult and dangerous at times. Charlotte Worthman, Paralegal at Goodman Ray, in our Domestic Abuse team looks at how safety planning can help victims and their children prepare to leave an abusive relationship as safely as possible.
What is a Domestic Abuse Safety Plan?
A domestic abuse safety plan is a practical and personalised guide designed to help protect you if you are planning to leave an abusive relationship. A safety plan may include identifying safe places and routes, preparing an emergency bag, making arrangements for children, considering digital safety and communicating with people you trust.
Safety planning can be done independently, with the support of friends and family or with the assistance of specialist domestic abuse organisations and professionals. If you are unsure of where to begin creating your safety plan, the National Domestic Violence Hotline provides an online resource that allows you to answer a series of questions and create a personalised plan.
Creating a Domestic Abuse Safety Plan – Creating an Emergency Bag
If it is safe to do so without your abuser noticing, consider preparing an emergency bag containing essential items that you may need if you need to leave quickly. This bag could include cash, essential documents such as passports, driving licences, identification documents and marriage or birth certificate. You may also wish to include a change of clothes, any medication you require, a spare set of keys and a phone charger. Where possible, keeping your phone charged and accessible is also important.
If keeping an emergency bag at home would put you at greater risk, consider whether there is somewhere safe it could be stored outside the home, such as with your trusted friends or family members.
Creating a Domestic Abuse Safety Plan – Identify Safe Areas and Routes
When creating a safety plan, it can be helpful to consider which route you would take if you needed to leave quickly. It may be helpful to consider your partner’s routines and identify times when it might be safer for you to leave. Consider your route out of the home and where there are passing places you could seek help if necessary.
When inside the home, if possible, avoid rooms such as the bathroom and kitchen where weapons are easily accessed and exits are limited. When you leave, ensure you have a safe place to go. You might consider going to your trusted friend or family members house or a Refuge.
Creating a Domestic Abuse Safety Plan – Communication
Maintaining communication with trusted friends and family members can be an important part of a safety plan. Where it is safe to do so, make sure people you trust are aware of what’s happening and understand how they can best support you if needed.
It can also be helpful to memorise phone numbers of these trusted individuals in case you are unable to access your phone. If you have children, your safety plan should also consider their needs. This may include preparing them for what to do in an emergency including a safe person they can contact and making arrangements for essential belonging, medication, school and childcare.
Creating a Domestic Abuse Safety Plan – Digital Safety
It is important to consider how your abuser may be able to track you after leaving. When it is safe to do so, consider reviewing the privacy settings on your phone, disabling any location sharing and removing access to certain accounts.
These are examples of things that you may wish to consider when create a safety plan but it is important to remember that a safety plan is not rigid. What works for one person may not be appropriate or safe for another.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse or considering leaving an abusive relationship, you do not have to make these decisions alone. Specialist domestic abuse organisations can provide confidential support and help you consider the saftest options available to you. Once you have left, you might consider seeking legal help. In this case, our team at Goodman Ray can offer you specialist advice to help keep you safe.
More Domestic Abuse Awareness Month Articles
This month we are publishing four helpful articles on Domestic Abuse, each offering advice and guidance on how you can deal with domestic abuse. Whether it be you personally who is being subjected to domestic abuse, or whether it be a friend or family member, we hope these articles provide you with the information you need. For more information or to get help please contact us.
Article 1 – Practical Tips on How to Support Someone Struggling With Domestic Abuse
COMING SOON – Debunking The Myths of Domestic Abuse
COMING SOON – Healthy and Unhealthy Relationships – How to spot the warning signs
¿Qué es el maltrato doméstico?
En Ley contra el maltrato doméstico 2021 defines domestic abuse as behaviour towards another person which is abusive. The parties must be aged over 16 or over and personally connected to one another.
The Act states domestic abuse can include, but is not limited to, the following:
- Abuso físico o sexual
- Violent or threatening behaviour
- Controlling or coercive behaviour
- Economic abuse
- Psychological, emotional or other abuse.
Support For Victims This Domestic Abuse Awareness Month 2026
Domestic Awareness Month helps to highlight the importance of looking out for instances of domestic abuse and to remember that help and legal protection may be available to those experiencing domestic abuse. At Goodman Ray, our specialist domestic abuse lawyers can advise on applying for a Domestic Abuse Protection Order (DAPO), an emergency injunction or a Non-Molestation Order.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, Goodman Ray can provide confidential, tailored legal advice about the protection that may be available. Contact our team by completing our online enquiry form or call 020 7608 1227 to discuss your circumstances.
Póngase en contacto con nosotros
Si tiene alguna pregunta o desea obtener asesoramiento jurídico sobre cualquiera de los temas planteados anteriormente, no dude en ponerse en contacto con nosotros.
Llámanos al 020 7608 1227
