If you think you are experiencing any type of abuse, it is important to remember that it is not your fault and that there is support available.
If you feel unsafe you probably are unsafe. You may feel alone and that no-one can help you; but many people experience abuse and there are many services that can provide support.
You can speak to your teacher, GP, work colleague or any other trusted professional. Speaking to someone about what you are going through can help you to feel less alone and can support you in understanding your options.
A personal safety plan is a way of helping you to protect yourself and your children, locally GDASS (Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service) could assist you with agreeing a safety plan with you. It helps you plan in advance for the possibility of future violence and abuse. It also helps you to think about how you can increase your safety either within the relationship, or if you decide to leave. The following are some points you might like to consider:
- Seek professional advice and support from the local support and outreach organisations described on this website including legal advice about injunctions
- Consider how agencies can make contact safely eg. Through a work number or a friend
- Consider a signal with children, family, neighbours, friends or colleagues which will alert them to call the police when help is needed
- Think through escape routes in advance; if possible avoid rooms with no exit or weapons in (eg. Bathroom or kitchen)
- Receive medical help for any injuries ensuring that they are recorded and if possible photographed. They may be used at a later date for evidence to support court cases or re-housing.
There are 3 mains steps
- Report the abuse
- Seek help or escape the abuse if you can
- Keep safe