Leaving abusive home to call 101 or 999

[Poppi89]

I am not in an abusive relationship but I have read a few threads on here from people who are leaving their abusive home and it's terrifying to read.

Does anyone have any facts that can help someone in that situation right now?
It would be good to hear from agencies, DV workers and police etc.

• I know for a fact that you are allowed to move out of your home in these circumstances.

• If you are scared to leave can you ring 101 or 999 and arrange for them to come and help you move?

• If you "go to the shops" without your things, can you then ring 101 from the shop to come and help you go back and get your things (or children/pets)?

• If you have no family to help are there shelters you can go to with your children?

I am hoping this thread helps anyone who wants to leave their abusive partners during this time.
If you have any information or advice for people in these situations please add it to the thread.

I don't have answers but think this is important. I heard a woman on the radio recently who is campaigning for this to be known about to help DV victims. It's a silent way to get emergency help. If you need the police but cannot speak on the phone you can call 999, and then when prompted press 5 5.

If you or your children are in immediate danger you can call 999.
There are refuge places but you need to call www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/ 0808 2000 247 to access them. You can do that from the police station.

If you "go to the shops" without your things, can you then ring 101 from the shop to come and help you go back and get your things (or children/pets)?

Police sometimes do this, but not as a matter of course and usually only long enough to grab a very, very few things if they do. Which is why they say to try and take passports and similar with you when leaving. Even passports can be replaced though.

Safeguarding children is different to collecting possessions.

There are some charities that help with rehoming pets.

If you have no family to help are there shelters you can go to with your children?

Yes, there are refuges.

If you are scared to leave can you ring 101 or 999 and arrange for them to come and help you move

I wouldn't describe it as arranging to help you move, but they can intervene to ensure your safety and help coordinate about a refuge space or removing the perpetrator.

It depends on the specifics of any situation.

I don't mean this unkindly but beyond "am I still allowed to leave?" these questions are the same as in ordinary times , so the info is out there - Women's Aid, Refuge etc. I think one of the big difficulties right now is that opportunities to plan or wait for a perpetrator to be out of the house are more scarce.

It would be difficult to give definitive answers to those questions because it would depend on the individual situation. How much risk the victim was at, and the resources available at the time, police officers, refuge beds available etc. Common sense would say that if you are at significant risk of immediate harm, you should get out, and call 999, and it would be reasonable to expect whatever help that can be given with the resources available.

Yes that is all very true. Thank you for your suggestions.

I have read a few threads on here recently from people in this situation asking what they can do or where they can go so I don't know if they can't find the information (or they have to be careful what sites they lookup) or if it's because they think the rules have changed now.

I have never heard of dialling 999 and then 5 5 when prompted. That is fantastic and it is something that needs to be more known. Thank you for sharing that.

I agree to call 999 if you are in immediate danger and I think that's where the line gets blurred because a lot aren't but if they're caught sneaking out they could be.