Safety Planning

Call the All Wales Domestic Abuse & Sexual Violence Helpline

Talk to someone on our confidential helpline, we can provide information and signposting services and tell you how you can access specialist help. Call us on 0808 80 10 800, any time of the day or night.

Reducing risk to yourself

If you are suffering from domestic violence, you will need to consider reducing the risk to yourself from your partner or ex-partner. We recommend that you consider making a safety plan. This will help you to prepare in advance for times when you may be in danger or are being physically or verbally abused.

Keep a record of dates and times of all incidents. If you have been injured, get medical attention from Accident and Emergency (A & E) or your GP and they will make notes of your injuries.

Keep your phone fully charged and on you at all times and your credit topped up - in case you need to make emergency calls.

Tell a friend or family member about what's been happening.

Keep your passport and copies of important documents in a safe place (with a friend or relative).

Think about telling your employer about your situation.

Always report the violence or criminal damage to the Police.

Do not retaliate - it's not safe

Always try to avoid retaliating as it is likely that it might escalate things and someone might get seriously hurt.

Try to leave the situation when you recognise the signs and triggers from your partner and feel that they may become violent or abusive to you.

If you retaliate and the Police are called it may be that they see you as the abuser and you could be arrested and charged, particularly if your partner has any injuries caused by your retaliation.

Call the Police

Men who are victims of domestic violence often say that there is no point in calling the Police or telling anyone that they are being abused. Some think they will not be believed, that people will think they are ‘weak’ and ‘not real men’, if they disclose the violence and abuse they are experiencing from a partner. The reality is that it takes great strength and self-control to put up with long-term abuse and it takes a lot of courage to reach out for help. The Police should take your allegations seriously and you have the same rights to protection from harm as a woman.

Report the violence to the Police, you do not have to press charges if you do not want to but it may help with any future incidents and can help to build a case against the perpetrator, if you do decide to press charges at a later time.

Contact your local Community Safety Unit or Domestic Violence Unit (every Police station should have one or be able to signpost you to the nearest one) and discuss with them the violence and abuse you are experiencing with a Domestic Violence Officer.

If you are frightened or in danger call the Police on 999.