Staying safe after leaving
This content applies to England only.
Housing laws vary between England and Scotland. Get advice relating to Scotland
If you have left your home due to domestic abuse or violence, you can take steps to protect yourself from any further abuse, violence or harassment.
Some perpetrators of domestic abuse will continue to harass or threaten the victim after s/he has left. In some cases, the perpetrator will try to find the victim, putting her/him at risk of further abuse.
There are several steps you can take to reduce the risk:
- Tell as many people as you can what has happened, and ask them not to give your new address or your telephone number to the perpetrator.
- Change your mobile phone.
- Avoid places where the perpetrator might expect to find you.
- If you have to go to a place where you think your partner might find you, go with someone else if possible, or let someone know where you are going. Choose a safe route where there will be other people to get there.
- Change your routines as much as you can, and reschedule any regular appointments.
- Avoid using any joint bank accounts - if this is likely to reveal your location.
- Make sure your address does not appear on any court papers. Your solicitor, or a refuge worker, will be able to give you further advice on this.
- If you need to phone the perpetrator, or anyone who might tell that person your number, dial 141 before you call to ensure your number is kept secret.
- Tell your children not to tell the perpetrator, or anyone else, where you are staying.
