Leaving your relationship is a huge decision. If you’re ready to make the move we’ve learned what steps are worth taking from the many women we’ve helped.
We always believe you know what is safest for you and your children. When you think it is safe, start by getting a bag together and leave it with a friend or family member.
Use this checklist to figure out what to pack.
• Protection or Parenting Orders
• Medicines for you and your children
• Copies of birth certificates for you and your children
• Passports for you and your children
• Clothes
• Toiletries
• Children's favourite toys
• Spare cash, ATM card and money for taxi/bus if needed
• Driver's license
• Bank details
• Other important documents such as insurances or residency
• Important phone numbers
• Treasured items such as photos or jewellery
Make a list of any emergency numbers you may need. This might include your local police, Women's Refuge, your doctor, a lawyer, your kids schools, plus your friends and whanau. Keep these with you. But remember, in an emergency always call 111.
If possible, get a cell phone and keep this with you. Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ) may be able to help you with this. Even a pre-pay cell phone with no money on it can be used to call in an emergency 111.
Let your friends and neighbours know that you have fears for your safety. Ask them to watch out and to call police if they hear anything unusual or concerning. You could set up a code to tell the neighbours you are in trouble e.g. ringing, hanging up, and then ringing again.
You can contact Women's Refuge through the Police.
Organise somewhere to go straight away. Our staff can support you to identify and access a safe place for you. Organise a place to stay for a while. If you need to move to another town or city, we can help you organise this.
We can support you with everything here and help if you need to contact other agencies or services.
The most important thing is for you and your children to get out safely. If the time is right to leave, just leave. It doesn't matter if you haven't made a plan, or got your things with you. We will support you in whatever way we can.
Stay safe.
