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Safety plan for a situation of violence or its threat at home

Everyone, who lives in conditions, where the threat of violence seems possible, should stop and think about their own and their children’s safety. It is important to anticipate and reflect on an action plan for the next possible situation of violence. Here we have put together things that are good to think about in advance and to take into account in the event of a threat of violence.

Plan in advance:

  • Consider whether it is possible to identify signs that may indicate that the other person becomes violent: for example, faster breathing, clenching fists, expressions or gestures, being under the influence, changed tone of voice.
  • Come up with an explanation to help you get out to safety: for example, a routine such as taking out garbage, walking the dog, grocery shopping or something you normally go outside to do on a regular basis.
  • Plan a safe and quick way out – what doors and/or windows can you use. Leave the premises as soon as you feel threatened, do not wait for the situation to escalate.
  • If it is not possible, have a safe place in mind, where you can escape to. Avoid the bathroom, which has no way out or the kitchen, where there are bladed weapons easily available.
  • Keep your phone charged and accessible.
  • Keep your wallet, spare keys and bag in such a way that they are easy to take with you in an escape situation. It is good to have e.g. cash, bank cards, spare clothes, important phone numbers on paper, a prepaid card, important documents that you may need and essential medication in your bag. If you think your phone will be taken away from you in a critical situation, it might be good to have a spare phone in your bag as well. Remember to also charge your spare phone regularly.
  • Tell a reliable person about the threat of violence and discuss your situation with for example Victim Support Finland.
  • Also tell your neighbour if possible. Agree with your neighbour on a procedure in case of a violent situation. For example, ask your neighbour to call for help in case of disturbing sounds from your apartment. Agree on a code word/code, a certain emoji as a sign to call for help. For example, if your relative calls and “cancels going for a walk” – you know that help is urgently needed.
  • If you are hit, protect your head and stomach by leaning over and using your hands as protection. Shout loudly for help!
  • If you have a car, always park it so that you can leave quickly, if necessary, without extra reversing.

If you have children:

  • Discuss with your children about violence and what to do in an emergency!
  • Teach your children to call the emergency number (112) and relatives if necessary.
  • Tell your children what to do if the situation becomes threatening at home. Where they can seek safety themselves or to whom they can call.
  • Agree with the children on a common sign or word when they must call for help.
  • Always take the children with you if possible.
  • If you cannot take the children with you, explain to them that you will come and get them later.

Save on your phone and on a separate piece of paper to carry in your safety bag:

  • Download the emergency number as an application on your phone. If you allow the application to see your location, your location will also be automatically displayed to the emergency center. This way it may be possible to get help quickly even if you do not have time to say the address yourself.
  • The phone number to the shelter home and services in your own locality where people who have experienced violence can be helped. If you think your phone is being checked you can save these contact details under, for example, a cover name. These are, for example, the associations for the open service of mother and child homes and shelters
  • Nollalinja gives you information about which shelters are available for the desired time.
  • Your own phone number
  • Phone numbers of people who are important to you

If you do not live on the same address as the violent person:

  • You can ensure your security by, for example, changing locks, installing a peephole/safety chain, getting an alarm system, installing lights outside, burglary proofing doors, keeping contact details secret, applying for a restraining order and/or non-disclosure for personal safety reasons if necessary. If you are considering a restraining order, please contact the Victim Support Finland, to the brochure and the contact details
  • Also think about your workplace safety, such as escape routes, workplace safety arrangements, the behavior of colleagues in threatening situations.