Planning to leave

Refuge can help you find safe accommodation. Whether you choose to go to a refuge, to a friend or relative, or to another town.

It will help if you can take with you things from this list.

Only do this if you’re sure you are safe.

• Identification and important papers (eg birth certificates, passports, benefit books, bank account details, medical cards, court orders, marriage certificate).
• Money. If you are worried about money or your financial responsibilities, download You Can Afford to Leave – a financial guide for women experiencing domestic violence
• Phone numbers – emergency and personal.
• Spare set of house and car keys.
• Medicines and toiletries.
• Clothes for a few days.
• A few of the children’s favourite toys.
• Proof of the abuse (eg notes, photos, crime reference numbers, diary, taped messages).
• If there is a residency or parental order in place, consult a solicitor before leaving, or as soon as possible afterwards. Leave a note saying you have left with the children, that they are safe, and that the solicitor will contact the non-resident parent in the near future. Keep a copy of the note.