§         Keep with you any important and emergency telephone numbers (for example, your local Women's Aid refuge organisation or other domestic violence service; the police domestic violence unit; your GP; your social worker, if you have one; your children's school; your solicitor; and the Freephone 24 Hour National Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 2000 247).

§         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).

§         Are there neighbours you could trust, and where you could go in an emergency? If so, tell them what is going on, and ask them to call the police if they hear sounds of a violent attack.

§         Rehearse an escape plan, so in an emergency you and the children can get away safely.

§         Pack an emergency bag for yourself and your children, and hide it somewhere safe (for example, at a neighbour's or friend's house). Try to avoid mutual friends or family.

§         Try to keep a small amount of money on you at all times - including change for the phone and for bus fares.

§         Know where the nearest phone is, if you have a mobile phone, try to keep it with you.

§         If you suspect that your partner is about to attack you, try to go to a lower risk area of the house - for example where there is a way out and access to a telephone. Avoid the kitchen or garage where there are likely to be knives or other weapons; and avoid rooms where you might be trapped, such as the bathroom, or where you might be shut into a cupboard or other small space.

§         Be prepared to leave the house in an emergency.

§         Think about security on your home, the Police can assist with changing locks and improving security through the Bobby Van

§         Talk to one of the specialist domestic abuse agencies about other sources of support and safety planning.