Everyone has the right to live in a place, which is safe and free from fear and violence. If you are afraid for yourself or your children or if you are being abused in any way, help is available and you have the right to ask for it. There are services specialising in crisis situations and others that can help you make changes and choices for the future. (See contacts page)

You can take control by finding out your rights and options.

• Call the police- keep their number handy.
• Contact a refuge for support and to find out your rights.
• Call a domestic violence service for support or emergency help.
• See a counsellor or join a domestic violence support group.
• Talk to someone you trust.
• Tell friends or neighbours.
• Find out your legal rights.
• Consider laying charges.
• Apply for a Restraining Order.
• Become involved in community activities so you are not isolated.
• Be familiar with the resources/agencies in your community.
• Try to have some emergency money- perhaps in a bank account in your own name. You can ask the bank not to send statements to your home. Maybe ask a friend to hold it for you.
• Plan an emergency exit. Hide extra clothes, money, car keys, any necessary medication, and a list of joint bank account numbers and your driver's license number at a friend's house.
• Identify safe areas of the house where there are no weapons and where there is always a way to escape. Try to go to those areas if an argument occurs.
• Know where the nearest telephone is located and know the numbers to call for help. Don't be afraid to call the police.
• Teach your children how to get help. Encourage them not to get involved in the violence between you and your partner. Plan a code word to signal them that they should get help or leave the house.
• Plan a safe place for your children to go to. (For example, a room with a lock, a friend or neighbour's house)
• Tell your children that violence is never right, even when it is someone they love who is being violent. Tell them that neither you nor they are at fault or the cause of the violence.
• Practice how to get out safely. Practice with your children.
• Keep any evidence of physical abuse, such as pictures. Keep a diary of violent incidents, including dates.
• Tell someone what is happening to you.
• If you are injured, seek medical help. Ask them to document your visit.

Your life and safety is important. Trying to bring your children with you is important. Everything else is secondary. These are some things you can try to take with you- either at the time, if you can, without putting yourself in danger, or at a later time if you return with police or other assistance:

• Cash
• Marriage certificate
• Birth certificates for you and the children
• Medicare/healthcare cards
• Pension cards/or Centrelink concession cards
• Driver's licence
• Passport and citizenship papers
• School reports
• Medications/prescription repeats
• House keys/car keys/ work keys
• Bank books including joint accounts
• Credit cards, cheque books, automatic teller cards
• Favourite toys, blankets and books for children
• Deeds to the house or other property (if applicable)
• Lease/rental agreements
• Current unpaid bills
• Insurance papers
• Jewellery and valuables and your Will
• Your address/phone book
• Irreplaceable personal items, eg photographs/albums
• Change of clothes

Believe that the violence is not your fault.
Believe that the abuser has to take responsibility for their actions.
Believe that domestic violence is a crime.
Tell yourself that it is worth the effort to act now.