If you are thinking about leaving an abusive relationship, it can feel overwhelming to know where to start, especially if you are worried about your safety, children, housing, finances, or how the other person might react. If you are in immediate danger, call 000. Your safety and the safety of any children is the priority.
Keeping a record
If it is safe to do so, start keeping a record of any abusive behaviour. The Empower You App is a free safety app designed for people experiencing domestic and family violence. The app provides access to information about support services and offers a secure place to record and store information about your experiences. You can also choose to securely share that information with a trusted friend or support person for safekeeping.
You may wish to use the app to securely store screenshots of your text message exchanges, notes of the abuse, or details of any witnesses, should you need to rely on them in the future.
What if I am being recorded or tracked?
If you have concerns that there may be recording and / or tracking devices in your home, vehicle or someone has access to your electronic devices, there are services that can detect, locate and remove a series of devices used for monitoring, listening, tracking or hidden cameras. Hyperlinked below are links with further information:
1. Protective Group: TSCM Car Sweep
2. Protective Group: TSCM Home Sweep
3. Protective Group: TSCM Device Sweep
Finding your support system
The Illawarra Committee Against Domestic Violence have a search tool to ‘Find a Service’ within the Illawarra Region which sets out a variety of services and resources that you may need for housing support, counselling, financial and legal support. Other resources you may find helpful include Women Illawarra (domestic and family violence support, referrals, and court support), the Staying Home Leaving Violence Scheme (works with NSW Police to help remove the perpetrator so you and your children can stay safely at home, with safety planning and practical support), and the Victim Support Scheme (NSW Government support which may include counselling and financial assistance).
Consider an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO)
In NSW, an ADVO is a court order designed to protect a person from domestic violence. It can include enforceable conditions such as no assault, threats, stalking, harassment or intimidation, limits on contact, restrictions on approaching your home/work/children’s school, and in some cases a requirement to leave the home. An ADVO may be issued by NSW Police or privately applied for.
Seek legal advice early
Before signing documents, agreeing to parenting arrangements, or sending correspondence to the other person, seek specialist advice about parenting options and safe communication, ADVOs, evidence and what to document, and protecting your finances.
If you are seeking confidential advice, please contact our office by phone on 02 4228 8048 or by email enquiries@marrfamilylawyers.com.au so that one of our solicitors can assist and provide you with tailored advice.