Shakti Women's Aid

If you need to get away in a hurry, just leave and take your children with you. Everything else can be replaced. And you can go back for belongings another time with police help.

If you are able to plan ahead, safely:

• Put aside, or try to make copies of, any important papers like birth or marriage certificates and passports (for you and your children); immigration, legal and financial papers; bank cards; or write down any serial numbers. Put these papers somewhere safe (out the house with a friend if possible).

• Pack an overnight bag for you and any children and hide it somewhere (for example with a friend).

• Try to put a little money aside for buses and taxis; spare house and car keys; a mobile phone, fully charged with credit; any spare prescribed medicines. Put these things in the bag.