Whether you are being abused by someone or you know of someone who is being abused it is very important to plan for your safety. Keeping safe can be as simple as talking to someone you trust, having a list of important phone numbers kept in a safe place or learning more about what can happen to people who are being abused. All these things are ways you can take care of yourself.

If you are supporting someone you know who is being abused, try to avoid approaching the person who is being violent. You may be putting yourself in danger, instead consider talking to an adult you trust about your situation or talking with a professional from a service listed under contacts. You may be able to get some helpful advice on how to support your friend in a safe way.

Hide your visit
If you don’t want anyone to know you are visiting this site you can hide your visit

1. Click on the ‘History’ icon, this will bring up a list of websites that have been accessed.
2. Right click on the ones you want to remove and click ‘delete’.

Your own personal safety plan

Download your very own safety plan (pdf format). Put in your information then keep it somewhere no one else can find it. You will need the Adobe Reader to view this file.

Safety planning
For more information on having a safety plan go to burstingthebubble.com

• Make a list of important telephone numbers in case you need to ring someone in an
  emergency.
• If you get pocket money then try and keep some for a phone call if you have to use a public pay phone.
• Try working out a code word you can use with a trusted friend or relative to let them
  know you may need some help.

Things you should try to avoid
Try not to stop your parents fighting. Run to a neighbour’s house and get help or call the police. Don’t put yourself in danger.

Try not to keep this a secret because things may only get worse. If someone else becomes involved, like a family friend or relative or even the police, things have a better chance of changing. Your safety and the safety of your family are the most important things to consider. Everyone has the right to live free from fear so you don’t have to live like this. It might take time but things can change for the better.

You might be thinking that if you ring the police or another service that this will make things worse - you may think your family will be split up. The police have been specially trained to deal with family and domestic violence situations and they will make sure you and your family are safe.