If you don't feel safe at home, think about whether you want to move or stay where you are. Your ASSIST worker can talk you through your options, from moving somewhere new to installing home security equipment.
Not all these suggestions might be relevant to your situation and before taking any of these safety steps, please consider if it could add to your risk. If you have any concerns, speak to your ASSIST worker.
If at any time you feel at immediate risk or danger, you should call 999.
Home Security
- if needed, arrange to have your locks changed or ask your landlord if they can do it
- Always keep your doors locked
- When possible, keep your windows locked, especially those on the ground floor or any that can be easily accessed from outside
- Use window restrictors, if you have them fitted, which stops them from being opened fully
- Consider installing home security equipment, for example, a CCTV doorbell, alarm system or security lights, if you can afford to, or speak to your ASSIST worker about any services in your area that can help with this
- When thinking about home security, consider any blind spots around your property where someone might be able to wait unseen and what can be done to make these areas more visible
- Move any ladders, bins or other items that could be used to reach windows
- Don't hide spare keys anywhere around your house or garden. If needed, leave a key with a trusted neighbour, friend or family member
- If there are bail conditions, or a non-harassment order, to stop your (ex) partner from coming to your home, ask trusted neighbours to call the police, or let you know if they are seen in your street
Safety inside your home
- If someone comes to your door, check who it is first and only open it if it is safe
- If your (ex) partner turns up at your home uninvited, try not to allow them access and phone the police if they refuse to leave
- Try to have access to a phone wherever you are in your house, so that you can easily call 999 in an emergency
- Have a plan of how you would get out of the house in an emergency, if needed, and where you would go for help
- If the situation is escalating and you can't get out of the house, avoid going into the kitchen or bathroom. Think about another room that would be safe for you to wait in until help arrives
- If your children are old enough, make sure that they know how to call for help in an emergency
- Your ASSIST worker can arrange a visit from Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, who offer advice on general home safety, as well as fire safety. This includes how to get out of your house in an emergency.
If you feel it is no longer safe for you to stay at home, you could contact your local Women's Aid group or homelessness service to ask about emergency housing. If it is outside office hours, you can phone the Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline (0800 027 1234) for advice.
If at any time you feel at immediate risk or danger, you should call 999.
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