- Try to keep your mobile charged and on you at all times.
- If you suspect your partner is about to become violent, try to avoid the kitchen, garage or anywhere that might have potential weapons.
- Rehearse an escape plan, so in an emergency you and the children can get away safely.
- If you had to leave in an emergency do you know where you would go?
- Agree on a code word with trusted friends or family member so that they know to call the police if you say the code word. For instance, you could agree that a certain word or a blank text means they need to call the police urgently.
- If your neighbours are aware of the situation, let them know that they should call the police if they hear a disturbance.
- If you have children, talk to them about where they can go to keep safe if the perpetrator becomes abusive. Emphasise that in this situation their priority is to get to safety first and then call for help. Tell them not to intervene as this could put them in further danger.
- Teach your children to call 999 in an emergency, and what they would need to say (for example, their full name, address and telephone number).
- Consider "covering your tracks" online as part of keeping yourself safe. Our website has a Leave Now button, as do many sites similar to ours. Further advice can be sought from: https://www.womensaid.org.uk/cover-your-tracks-online/ or https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/covering-your-tracks-online
- Keep with you any important and emergency telephone numbers (Scottish Domestic abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline: 0800 027 1234)
- Check for spyware on your phone by downloading free software SPYBOT https://www.safer-networking.org/
- Helpful information - Scottish Women’s Rights Centre - https://www.scottishwomensrightscentre.org.uk/blogs/covid-19coronavirus-info/
- Bright Sky is a free to download mobile app providing support and information for anyone who may be in an abusive relationship or those concerned about someone they know.
- Check out this website for some good information - https://sdafmh.org.uk/covid-19/
- check out this police scotland information regarding the disclosure scheme https://www.scotland.police.uk/contact-us/disclosure-scheme-for-domestic-abuse-scotland/