Preparing to leave
If you do decide to leave your partner, it is best if you can plan this carefully. Sometimes abusers will increase their abuse if they suspect you are thinking of leaving, and will continue to do so after you have left, so this can be a particularly dangerous time for you.
Packing an emergency bag
Try to take the following items with you if you leave.
If you cannot take important documents with you try to take photos or copies of the documents.
- Some form if identification
- Birth certificates for you and your children
- Passports (including passports for all your children),
- Visas and work permits, if applicable.
- Money, bankbooks, cheque book and credit and debit cards.
- Keys for house, car, and place of work. (You could get an extra set of keys cut, and put them in your emergency bag.)
- Documents relating to benefits entitlement e.g. universal credits, child benefit etc.
- Driving licence (if you have one) and car registration documents, if applicable.
- Prescribed medication.
- Copies of documents relating to your housing tenure (for example, mortgage details or lease and rental agreements).
- Insurance documents, including national insurance number.
- Address book.
- Family photographs, your diary, jewellery, small items of sentimental value.
- Clothing and toiletries for you and your children.
- Your children’s favourite small toys.