What can I do?
Family violence and domestic violence is becoming an ever-increasing issue in Australia. Unfortunately for some individuals they are extremely fearful of their partner and the separation process. Below is a list of ideas and things to consider for anyone that is in a family violence situation or relationship. Please share this list with anyone you think may need this information.
1. Your number one priority is the safety of you and the children.
If there is any threat of immediate danger towards you/and or your children, please call 000 immediately to seek emergency assistance. If you call the police ensure that the police attend, this will ensure that there is a record of you contacting the police.
2. Leave
If you are concerned about your safety, leave. Take the children with you.
3. Create a Safety Plan
This is a plan to follow if things escalate and you need to leave in a hurry. Things to consider include:
- Where can you go? Family member, friend, refuge.
- How can you go? Taking the car, getting a lift, catching a taxi.
- What to take? The children, important documents, phone, wallet, and irreplaceable items.
- If possible, have an escape bag ready to go, or packed and already in a safe location.
4. Don't forget to
If you are thinking about leaving do not forget to:
- Turn off location tracking on your phone including “Find my phone”.
- Change your passwords including for emails, banking, and social media.
- Ensure that you have a bank account that your ex cannot access, use this account for your pay/Centrelink payments. If possible, start putting some savings in this account.
5. Consider downloading a safety app on your phone
For example, Daisy by Medibank private or Help Me by the Daniel Morcombe Foundation.
6. Keep a record
Start keeping a diary or chronology of any frightening or abusive incidents, keep this in a safe place such as in a private email or google drive or with a friend/family member or use the Arc app.
7. Keep Evidence
Take photos, screen shot text messages and save emails of any frightening or abusive incidents. Store this evidence in a safe place.
8. Seek counselling and support
Speak to your doctor, trusted friends and family members or consider phone or online counselling.
7. Seek advice
Seek legal advice from an experienced Family Lawyer.
If you are experiencing domestic or family violence you can contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or the NSW Domestic Violence Line 1800 65 64 63. These services operate 24/7.
How Can We Help?
If you have questions surrounding a Family Law matter, please contact us today on 4952 3901 to schedule a initial Smart Start fixed fee appointments with our Fiona Johnson.
