Need help now?

If you are in immediate danger dial ✆111. If you are not in immediate danger, but need help call ✆0800 28 48 26 to speak to one of our team.

 

Safety Plan

You will know what is safest for you and your children. Whether you are planning to leave, have already left or are not ready to leave your relationship, here are some tips to help keep you safe.

 

Make a list of any emergency numbers you may need

Police; Aviva; doctor; lawyer; schools; friends and whānau/family. Keep these with you. In an emergency always call 111.

 

Get a cell phone

Make sure 'Find My Phone' and locations trackers are turned off. If you have no phone, WINZ or Aviva may be able to help you get a phone. Even a pre-pay cell phone with no money on it can be used to call 111. 

 

Talk to a lawyer or Aviva about getting a legal order.

• Protection Orders mean someone cannot be violent or abusive toward you. It can also mean the person using violence can't contact you.
• Property Orders can help you stay in a shared home and make the person using violence leave.
• Furniture Orders can help you keep and use shared furniture.

 

If arguing - get somewhere safe

Try to get outside. Stay away from kitchens as they have sharp objects.

 

Pack a 'Go Bag' in case you have to leave quickly

Store this bag somewhere safe, like with a friend or family member. Include:

• Important documents (legal orders like Protection or Parenting orders, passport or residency information for you and your children, birth certificates, driver's license, bank details, insurance etc.)
• Medication for you and your children
• clothes
• toiletries
• treasured items (children's favourite toys, jewellery or photos)
• spare cash, ATM card and money for taxi/bus if needed
• important phone numbers

 

Organise somewhere to go straight away (e.g. a friend’s house, or a Safe House)

Aviva staff can support you to identify and access a safe place for you.

 

Get your own house and car keys.

 

Open your own bank account.

If you have no money, talk to WINZ or to Aviva about how to get a WINZ benefit.

 

Develop a plan for yourself and the children if you feel threatened

Create a plan for any situation (e.g. at home, school, shops, etc.). Role play and practice the plan so you remember it. Aviva can help you safety plan with your child.

 

Help your children understand what is going on

They might not need to know the details, but they do need to feel reassured. Aviva also offer support for children.

 

Make your home safer:

• change the locks
• get outside lights
• repair damaged windows
• turn a room into a safe room (such as the bathroom)
• trim underneath bushes and trees so you can see if anyone is hiding in them
• Ask Aviva if you are eligible for our safe@home service or to receive a Safelet.

 

Have your address, phone number, and car registration removed from public access

• get a confidential number (Telecom won't give it out)
• go on the unpublished Electoral Roll
• get your details removed from any council register
• contact VTNZ to ensure your license plate is unsearchable
• remind WINZ, your employer, landlord, schools, doctor, etc. to keep your details strictly confidential
• hide your phone number from caller display

 

Use a third party or take someone with you when dealing with the person who has abused you

For example, when forwarding on mail, picking up or dropping off the children, or returning their property. Always take someone with you if you cannot avoid seeing the person who perpetrated the abuse.

 

Reach out to people in your life

Let your friends and neighbours know that you have fears for your safety. Ask them to watch out and to call the Police if they hear anything unusual or concerning. You could set up a code that will tell the neighbours you are in trouble e.g. ringing, hanging up, and then ringing again.

 

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.

 

Download this information as a PDF

Safety Plan for Leaving [PDF 134 KB]

Safety Plan for After You Leave [PDF 133 KB]

Safety Plan for Staying [PDF 90 KB]