how you can help yourself

This is a Safety Plan if you’re experiencing or witnessing violence in your life. The violence could be at home, work, school, on a date, in a relationship, at a party – wherever, whenever it happens, you need to get away from it FAST.

Your life, health and wellbeing are too precious to put at risk. Do whatever you can to get help, and don’t stop trying until you do.
 

Here’s your Safety Plan:

• Phone 111 if you’re in immediate danger and ask for police. Always trust your feelings: if you’re scared, phone the police! 111 calls are free from your cellphone and payphones as well as your landline.
• If you know you’re about to be hurt, leave fast. RUN! Run to any safe place like a neighbour, friend’s house, local shop, petrol station, school, café. Tell an adult what has happened.
• Text, phone or talk to an adult that makes you feel safe. Maybe it’s your friend’s parents, your aunt or uncle, grandparents, teacher, school counsellor, a youth worker, doctor, local dairy owner – whoever. Just be brave and open up – tell someone! If that person doesn’t believe you, talk to someone else until you find someone who does.
   

Are you planning to leave…

If you’re planning to leave an abuser, have a small bag packed at all times with:

• Cellphone
• Cellphone charger
• A change of clothes if it’s safe to
• Money or your EFTPOS card if it’s safe to
• I.D. and important papers such as your student card, driver’s licence, birth certificate….you will need these later.

Keep the bag in a place where you can grab it quickly. You may be in a hurry when you leave. If you need to run to protect your life, or it’s not safe to go and get the bag, leave it behind. You are more important!
 

…or are you going to stay?

If you choose to stay in your relationship, here are some safety tips:

• Plan how to get out FAST in a time of immediate danger
• Know where can you run to – neighbours, friends, school, shops, etc.
• Talk to someone you trust or know will help you, like a teacher, caregiver, friend, safe family or whānau member, grandparent, kaumatua or kuia
• Remember that emergency calls to 111 are free from your landline or cellphone
• Load the number of an emergency contact person on to the speed dial of your landline or cellphone. Orgnaise a code word with this person that you can say quickly, so the person you ring knows you need help.