If your abuser suspects you are thinking about leaving you may be in danger so please consider your safety at all times.
Money can be a big issue when thinking about leaving, but it does not have to be the reason to stay. Your safety and quality of life is more important.
Before you leave
- If you are financially independent and have enough time to plan, try to save some cash and hide this away. Maybe ask a trusted friend to keep this safe for you.
- Make enquiries with the Benefits Agency about what you are entitled to claim in your own right. Ask about Domestic Violence Easement (or Destitute Domestic Violence Concession if you are in the UK on a UK Partner Visa).
- Find out what you need to do to make a claim in your own name and what documents you will need.
- Housing Options (01803 208723) will advise you on applying for accommodation and on claiming Housing Benefit.
- Contact Child Benefit, if necessary.
After you leave
- If you need to open a new bank account in your own name, you will need evidence of your new address so this may take a few days. Trying to put back a supply of cash will help until you can sort this out.
- If you are employed, remember to ask your employer to pay your salary into your new bank account.
- If you are already claiming benefits in your own name, make sure you update contact information and change any passwords.
- Don’t use existing debit or credit cards particularly if they are joint.
- If you must have a credit card, get a new one from a different bank.
- Update information on your current account if this is in your sole name and change any passwords.
- Welfare Support may be able to help you access essential household items if you have to start from scratch.
Look at the other sections under Planning to Leave for suggestions on other action you should consider taking.
