Safety plan and checklist
If it is not safe to remain living in your home, and you decide to leave, have a safety plan.
Check your children know to call 000 in an emergency. Plan a safe place where you, your children and pets can go (e.g. a family member, friend, safe neighbour, closest police station, women’s refuge, and for pets, the RSPCA or Pets in Peril).
Financial safety checklist
Open new bank account in own name
Freeze redraw on joint mortgage
Contact lenders, utility services and/or telecommunication services for flexible payment options
Contact Centrelink for financial assistance that may be available
Emergency Contacts
Immediate Assistance: 000
Treating doctor:
Counsellor:
Police contact:
Lawyer:
Other contacts:
Record Keeping
Keep a manual or electronic diary of what is happening to you or the children/family violence incidents
Keep copies of text messages and emails from your ex-partner
Screenshot pages of social media accounts
Photographs of injuries or damage caused to your home/car can be useful
Have a recent photo of your ex-partner
A safety bag
A bag of important documents and personal belongings, including driver’s licence, passports, birth certificate, marriage certificate)
Copy of intervention order or Court orders regarding children
Mobile phone and charger
Spare keys for house and car
Cash
Medications and prescriptions
A change of clothes and toiletries
Anything essential for your child’s wellbeing
Cyber safety checklist
Obtain a new pay-as-you go SIM card
Change PIN and passwords on mobile, email, banking and social media accounts
Disable ‘Find my iPhone’ technology and location settings on all Apps
Delete internet browser history and sign out of your accounts
Avoid using social media platforms
This information was provided by Gordon Legal
Call Gordon Legal on 1800 21 22 23 8.30am-5pm, Monday to Friday
Or email enquiries@gordonlegal.com.au and they will be in touch within 24 hours.
