You may have tried everything possible to make things ok at home but there may come a time where you have no option other than to leave.  This is often the most dangerous time in an abusive relationship.  It is important that you do this as safely as possible. This information will help you do that.

Try to leave at a time when your partner is not around. Take your children with you and pack everything essential that you need, as you may not be able to go back.

 If your children are at school, ensure that the head teacher and class teachers know the circumstances and know who will be picking children up from school in future.

Planning to leave an abusive relationship can be a long process.  It isn’t always necessary to make a plan and leave straight away.  It can be helpful to think about any difficulties you might face and work out how to overcome these.

If you do decide to leave, here’s a list of important things you should try to pack:

• Some form of identification, including national insurance number.
• Birth certificates and passports for you and your children
• Visas, residence cards and work permit.
• Money, bank books, cheque book and credit/debit cards.
• Keys for your house, your car and place of work (You could get an extra set of keys cut, and put them in your emergency bag)
• Cards for payment of Child Benefit and any other welfare benefits you are entitled to.
• Driving licence.
• Prescribed medication.
• Copies of mortgage details or lease and rental agreements.
• Insurance documents.
• Family photographs, your diary, jewellery, small items of sentimental value.
• Clothing and toiletries for you and your children.
• Your children’s favourite small toys.
• Any documentation relating to the abuse e.g.  police reports, injunctions and restraining orders.
• Copies of medical records if you have them.