If something is happening right now
- Get yourself and any children to a safe place - a locked room, a neighbour, a public space.
- Call 999. Ask for the police. Tell them children are present.
- The police can arrest, remove the abuser and impose protective bail conditions the same day.
Planning to leave safely
- Keep essentials in one bag: ID, bank cards, phone charger, medication, some cash, keys, children's essentials.
- Photograph or scan important documents (passports, birth certificates, mortgage statements) to a secure cloud account only you can access.
- Change passwords on your primary email, bank and cloud accounts from a device the other person can't see.
- Turn off location sharing on iCloud/Google/Find My, and check for any tracking apps.
- Tell one trusted person your plan and expected timings.
Protecting money and information
- Open a bank account in your sole name at a different bank if you don't have one.
- Do not empty joint accounts - take a fair share and keep a record of what you moved and why.
- Consider a Land Registry "home rights notice" so the family home can't be sold without your knowledge.
- Speak to your GP - a note on your medical record can support later applications for legal aid or protective orders.
Where to get help
- Refuge - 0808 2000 247 (24/7, women).
- Men's Advice Line - 0808 8010 327.
- Galop (LGBT+) - 0800 999 5428.
- Karma Nirvana (honour-based abuse, forced marriage) - 0800 5999 247.
- NSPCC (concerns about a child) - 0808 800 5000.
- Samaritans (any distress) - 116 123.
This article is general information about the law of England and Wales, not legal advice. For advice on your situation, speak to a solicitor.