Planning to stay...
Not all women wish to end an abusive relationship - in fact, studies have shown it can take a women up to 7 times before she permanently leaves an abusive relationship.
If you are going to continue in an abusive relationship, you need to plan how you will keep yourself and your whanau safe from other incidents of abuse.
Here are a few ways to plan for staying - It is your choice.
Planning to leave
A woman is most vulnerable when she is leaving a violent relationship. This is the time to plan how you are going to leave, organise the things that are important to you (birth Certs, passports, i.d, photos etc), and plan for your escape.
Women's Refuge safety plans are a valuable tool to help you on your path to freedom.
Click on the link below to be taken to the National Women's refuge website to find more information on getting help, different types of abuse and leaving a violent relationship
https://womensrefuge.org.nz/get-help/
If you are going to continue in an abusive relationship, you need to plan how you will keep yourself and your whanau safe from other incidents of abuse.
Here are a few ways to plan for staying - It is your choice.
- Prepare an emergency bag - keep copies of all important documents - (passports, birth certs, licence) spare keys, cell phone/ sim etc
- Be aware of all exits and escape routes to get outside - make your whanau aware, practice these with your children
- Have a safe place to go e.g neighbor, friends/family or local Women's Refuge
- Do not be afraid to call the POLICE - they are there to protect you - practice with your children how to dial 111 and what to say (if appropriate), Police Safety Orders can be issued on the spot which removes the abuser from the incident and is in force for 24hours.
- Have someone to talk to and support you - Women's Refuge offer a confidential, free and non judgmental 24/7 crisis line offering support and advice
- Speak to your local Women's Refuge, they will give you the support you need to get strong
Planning to leave
A woman is most vulnerable when she is leaving a violent relationship. This is the time to plan how you are going to leave, organise the things that are important to you (birth Certs, passports, i.d, photos etc), and plan for your escape.
Women's Refuge safety plans are a valuable tool to help you on your path to freedom.
Click on the link below to be taken to the National Women's refuge website to find more information on getting help, different types of abuse and leaving a violent relationship
https://womensrefuge.org.nz/get-help/