This checklist serves as a practical guide to enhance your safety and well-being.

1. The key to ensuring your safety is for individuals to refrain from abusive behaviour. Remember, you are not to blame for their actions.
2. Safety planning assists in preparing for potential harm from those prone to violence.
3. In case of immediate danger, call the police at 000.
4. For emergency calls using TTY or the National Relay Service, visit – http://relayservice.gov.au/making-a-call/emergency-calls.

  Safety at Home – Community Support

1. Don’t hesitate to talk about your abuse; there is no shame. Combating violence is a collective responsibility.
2. Inform neighbours to call 000 if they hear concerning noises from your home. Reassure them that it’s acceptable to call for help.
3. Establish a signal system with neighbours through party walls if possible.
4. Develop an escape plan for potential escalation. Identify rooms with accessible exits and ensure you have the means to unlock windows.

  Avoiding Traps

1. Despite potential risks, enhance your safety by knowing escape routes during the day and night.
2. Familiarize yourself with contacting a taxi, domestic violence crisis helpline, local police, and other emergency services.
3. Keep your phone charged and leave emergency contact information and cash in a secure place.
4. Create an escape bag with essentials, including spare keys, important documents, cash, and prescription medicines.
5. Plan for mobility issues and pet care in case of emergencies.

  Children’s Safety

1. Discuss warning signs of danger with your kids, keeping the conversation practical.
2. Practice emergency escape routes and fire drills with your children.
3. Teach children to prioritize their safety and not intervene in violent situations.
4. Ensure children know how to call 000 and share their address in an emergency.
5. Communicate with your child’s school about the violence, providing necessary documentation and information.

  Home Safety After Separation

1. Enhance home security with outdoor lights, locks, and secured entry points.
2. Establish a plan for contacting local police in case of threats or disturbances.
3. Change locks on doors and windows, and inquire about security upgrades at the local police station.
4. Inform relevant services about address changes to maintain privacy.

  Safety in Public or at Work

1. Park in busy public spaces and avoid underground car parks.
2. Change your daily routes and timings to reduce predictability.
3. Inform your workplace about protection orders and keep a copy on hand.

  Safety on the Internet

1. Use public computers or a friend’s computer to prevent access by abusers.
2. Change passwords on all online accounts to something unguessable.
3. Adjust social media privacy settings to restrict access.
4. Suspend social media accounts to avoid disclosing your location.
5. Change email addresses or create a new one for communication with the abuser.

  Safety Planning for People with Disabilities

1. Develop a safety plan with contact numbers for domestic and family violence organizations.
2. Identify safe places, emergency contacts, and ways to access money and personal care assistance.
3. Address specific challenges related to disabilities in the safety plan.

  Seeking Help and Using the Law

1. Contact emergency services immediately if in danger.
2. Talk to someone you trust about the situation and seek support from domestic violence services, counsellors, or the police.
3. Utilize legal avenues, such as protection orders, to increase safety.
4. Keep informing people until you receive the necessary help. You have the right to be believed and to feel safe.

  Safety Plan Phone List

Ensure you have a comprehensive list of emergency contacts, including police, family, friends, neighbours, legal services, and support organizations. Keep this list readily available for quick access in case of emergencies.