To find services or supports you are comfortable with, please visit the helplines and support services page – use a friend’s phone if you think yours is being monitored.
Whether you want to create more safety in your relationship where someone is using violence, or you want to find out ways to safely leave the person using violence, you are the best judge of your own safety.
Safety planning can help you stay safe, especially if you need to leave quickly.
It’s natural to feel confused, scared or overwhelmed. You may be hoping for the violence to stop, worry about your children, or fear what might happen if you leave.
You might feel like you have no way out. But you are not alone.
Learn more about your options if you are feeling unsafe or if you are planning to leave. It is also important to consider what you need to do to stay safe after leaving a relationship with a person who uses violence.
Seek support
Speak to a trusted friend or family member, a medical professional or a family violence service. Having somebody to talk to can help you cope with the effects of family and domestic violence and help you work out how to be safe.
You can reach out to the Domestic Violence Helpline on 1800 007 339 and access family and domestic violence services and resources to help create a safety plan. No matter your situation, there is help available.
Tips on making a safety plan
Think about and prepare a checklist of things that you can do to improve your safety and the safety of your children.
Safety at home
- Plan an escape route in case you need to leave quickly.
- Identify what the safest room in the house may be this could include a room with an internal door lock or a room with a way to get outside.
- Be aware of household items that could be used as weapons.
- Talk to trusted neighbours and ask them to call the police on 000 if they hear signs of violence or abuse.
- Pack a bag of essential items such as money, keys, bank cards, ID, important documents, clothes, toiletries, medication and Medicare card, and toys. Store it somewhere safe or with someone you trust.
- If possible, use a spare mobile phone with prepaid credit to prevent being monitored.
- If you’re looking for information about family and domestic violence or services, learn how to browse online and use technology safely.
- Agree on a code, word/sentence to use with trusted friends and family if you feel in danger.
- Let trusted friends, family and/or neighbours know about what is happening and include them in your safety plan.
If you have children
- Talk to your children about how to keep safe in an emergency. For young children keep information simple such as agreeing a hiding spot or a neighbour's place they can go to.
- Make sure your children know their address, how to phone the police, and what to do if they are scared.
- Consider if it is safe for your children to spend time with the person who is hurting you. Remember that even if they are not subjected to physical abuse, they may be feeling scared and worried about you.
- Talk with your children to make sure they know that what is happening is not their fault.
At work
- If you feel comfortable, you can talk to your employer, and they may be able to help you.
- Some employers offer free, confidential support services to employees, such as the Employee Assist Program (EAP).
- Discuss your options such as flexible hours and arrangements, changing your roster or working at another site.
- All employees are entitled to 10 days of paid family and domestic violence leave each year. This includes full-time, part-time and casual employees.
Helpful resources
Find out more helpful resources on preparing a safety plan:
- 1800RESPECT Safety Planning.
- Safe Steps - For those experiencing violence in a relationship (including a template for safety planning).
Collecting evidence
It’s helpful to keep a record of any incidents of family and domestic violence, remembering that the violence does not have to be physical. This can be used as evidence if you apply for a Family Violence Restraining Order, speak to the police, or seek custody of children.
Make sure this record is kept in a safe place where it won’t be found or destroyed. Evidence of violence or abuse may include:
- A record of abusive or concerning incidents including dates, times and details of what has happened to you and/or your children.
- Photos of physical injuries or damage to your belongings.
- Copies of communications – having any important conversations through email, text or social media can help to keep a record of what has been said.
- Documents such as medical reports, police reports and statements and legal documents.
- Witnesses – other people who have seen or heard things.
Taking care of yourself
Living with family and domestic violence is stressful and overwhelming. Being with someone who hurts, frightens or controls you can affect your health and wellbeing.
The most important thing you can do for yourself or your children is to look after yourself. Remember to be kind to yourself and that the violence or abuse is never your fault. It’s okay to ask for help and find support. See below for helplines and support services available.
Help and support
There are free and confidential helplines available. Use a friend’s phone if you think yours is being monitored.
- 1800RESPECT: A national telephone and online counselling and referral service. Phone: 1800 737 732.
- Women’s Domestic Violence Helpline: provides support for women, with or without children, who are experiencing family and domestic violence in Western Australia (including referrals to women’s refuges). Phone: 1800 007 339. *This helpline is operated by Department of Communities, and your call will be answered by a child protection worker. We are here to help.
- Men’s Domestic Violence Helpline: provides telephone information and referrals for men who are concerned about their violent and abusive behaviours, and for male victims of family and domestic violence in Western Australia. Phone: 1800 000 599.*This helpline is operated by Department of Communities, and your call will be answered by a child protection worker. We are here to help.
- Kids Helpline: provides 24/7 support for kids needing to talk to someone about what’s going on in their life. Phone: 1800 55 1800. Online chat is available 24/7.
- MensLine Australia: support for men and boys dealing with family and relationship difficulties. Phone: 1300 78 99 78.
- Lifeline: provide support for those experiencing emotional distress with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. Phone: 13 11 14.
Find more support services and helplines here:
Family and domestic violence services and resources
