Safety plan

Sometimes it can be important to be able to leave the apartment quickly. Think about how you can leave quickly and safely. For example:

• How can I get out of the apartment as quickly as possible?
• Is there perhaps a window I can safely get out of?
• Which room in the apartment is safe?
• Can I lock this room?
• Does my phone work in this room?
• Can I safely call the police?

Do you have a mobile phone?

Save important numbers on your phone. For example:

• Police: 133 (in immediate danger)
• Ambulance: 144
• Women’s shelter emergency hotline: 05 77 22
• Phone numbers of family and friends

If you do not have a safe place to make a phone call, install the police DEC112 app. With this app, you can place an emergency call to the police at the push of a button.
You can download the app here: https://app.dec112.at/#download_page

Is your phone being monitored?

Then call us or read our Digital Safety Tips.

You do not have a mobile phone?

Write important phone numbers and addresses on a piece of paper. Make a plan. Consider whether someone in your environment can support you.
For example:

• Do you have a neighbour, friend or family member you trust?
• Talk to her/him about your situation
• You can agree on a signal with neighbours so they can call the police. For example, if they hear loud screaming
• Sometimes neighbours do not want to get involved. That is why it is important to speak to them and ask for support.
• If you agree on a silent signal, the international hand signal for violence can be helpful. This lets the people around you know that they should call the police. You can find information about this here: Link image APA

Are there people near you who can help you? Think about who can support you in an emergency. For example:

• Do you have a neighbour, friend or family member you trust?
• Talk to her/him about your situation
• You can agree on a signal with neighbours so they can call the police. For example, if they hear loud screaming
• Sometimes neighbours do not want to get involved. That is why it is important to speak to them and ask for support.
• If you agree on a silent signal, the international hand signal for violence can be helpful. This lets the people around you know that they should call the police. You can find information about this here

• Keep your personal documents with you or take them to a safe place.
• Make copies or take photos of the most important documents.
• Take photos of valuables.
• Always keep your key with you.
• If possible, have a spare key made and keep the second key in a safe place.

Prepare a bag with the most important things for you and your children. Keep the bag in a safe place.
For example, pack the following items:

• Important documents (passports, birth certificate, marriage certificate, …)
• List of addresses and phone numbers of important people or support services
• Medication you need regularly
• Keys
• Money
• Children’s toys
• Clothing
• Hygiene items

Important: Only pack the bag if doing so does not put you at additional risk.

• Write down incidents of violence and add the date.
• Take photos of injuries or damage in the apartment.
• Take screenshots of threatening messages, calls, chat histories and online activities.
• You can also have injuries documented at the violence outpatient clinic.

This is important if you want to go to the police.

Do you have friends or family you trust?
Then ask them whether you can come to them in an emergency.
This is important:

• Your friends’ or family’s home must be safe.
• Ideally, you should be able to come at any time.
• Can you get a key so you can come quickly in an emergency?

You can also call a women’s shelter day and night and be admitted.

Explain your situation to your children. The explanation should be appropriate for the children’s age. Also talk to your children about important tips. For example:

• If the father or stepfather no longer lives with you, the children should not open the door for him.
• Explain to your children what they can do in an emergency. For example, call the police or seek help from neighbours.
• If the father or stepfather is standing outside the kindergarten or school, they should inform the teacher.
• Prepare your children for the fact that at a certain time you will have to leave the apartment together.

Ask your children how they are feeling. Children often think it is their fault when violence happens at home. Explain to your children that they are not responsible and are not to blame.

Explain your situation to your children. The explanation should be appropriate for the children’s age. Also talk to your children about important tips. For example:

• What else can you think of?
• Think about your personal situation and consider how you can best prepare.
• Think about the people around you. Who can you talk to about your situation?

Do not be afraid to call us. We are always available and can also advise you anonymously.