Safety Planning

It is our policy to carry out safety planning with every woman we see, whether in drop-in, outreach, in a group session or community clinic. This can include advising women on how to change their routine following the end of a relationship to re-instating the importance of calling the emergency services, logging incidents and information and telephone numbers about accessing emergency accommodation. 

We also advise our users to be cautious when sharing confidences with other service users who are also vulnerable.

In addition to safety planning in conjunction with the woman, we are also able to make the following specific referrals:

-         Target Hardening (for change of locks, alarms and door braces)

-         MARAC (multi agency risk assessment conference)

-         IDVA (independent domestic violence advisor)

-         DAC (North Wales Police Domestic Abuse Co-ordinator)

-         Sign-posting to solicitors

Do you need help with safety planning?

We are able to provide general safety planning advice and specific advice that relates to planning to leave a relationship and protecting yourself after the relationship has ended.

Making a safety plan is a way of helping you protect yourself and your children.  It helps to plan in advance for the possibility of further violence and/or abuse. It is important to remember that you can’t stop your partner’s behaviour; only they can do that.  But thinking about what could happen and what your options are in the event that something does happen means that you are less likely to panic in a crisis.

We would be pleased to complete a safety plan with you in person but some  things to consider now are:

-         Keep important and emergency telephone numbers with you at all times e.g. Police emergency (999 or 112), policy non emergency (101), Domestic Abuse Helpline, for refuge and/or support (0808 80 10 800), health visitor, solicitor, social services, friends, family and schools.

-         If you think you might be the victim of an attack and can sense the warning signs of an incident then try to move to a part of the house where you can get out through a door or get to a phone. Please try and avoid the kitchen or garage where there are knives and other weapons and try not to get trapped upstairs.

-         If you can, tell your neighbour (s) what is going on and ask them to call the police if they hear sounds of an attack or screaming/rowing coming from your house.

-         Teach your children to call 999 in an emergency and what to say e.g. their full name. address and telephone number.

-         Pack an emergency bag for yourself and your children and hide it somewhere. Include money, a spare set of keys, passports and other forms of identification and essentials for your children – e.g. nappies. toiletries, clothes, toys. Try and save some money for emergencies such as transport and food.

-         Keep your mobile on you at all times.