We have partnered with Reach Out to bring you the best factsheet information we can on this topic. Reach Out offers information, support and resources to help young people improve their understanding of mental health issues, develop resilience, and increase their coping skills and help-seeking behaviour.

At times we underestimate the amount of danger we are in, either because we don't realise or don't want to accept how dangerous a situation is. Being safe is important and there are things you can do to ensure your safety.

Steps you can take to ensure your safety

Is there immediate danger?  How likely is it that someone would hurt you? If necessary, you may have to move to somewhere safe.

Do you have support? Making a decision to leave a situation where you feel unsafe may be hard and scary. If possible, talk to someone you trust, like a friend, a counsellor, or youth worker. Have a look at the Who can help you section.

Talk to the police -  If you feel unsafe the police are good people to talk to. If you have been hurt, or know of someone who has, the police will be able to help.

Believe in yourself - If someone is hurting you or threatening to, it can be hard to maintain your self-confidence. Remember it is NEVER OK for someone to hurt or threaten to hurt you.

Know your rights - It may be a good idea to check out your legal rights. Laws vary from state to state. To find out about your rights check out the Lawstuff website.

Consider a safety plan

A safety plan may be necessary before you leave a situation where you feel unsafe. In making a plan considering the following may help:

Have somewhere safe to go - If you can't think of anywhere where you can stay, you may need to contact a refuge. See the contact numbers below for assistance.

Tell someone - If possible, tell friends and/or family to see if they can help protect and support you.

Have money - If possible, save some money so you can leave a situation that you don't feel safe in.

Minimise time alone - Try and be around other people whenever possible.

After you feel safe

Once the crisis situation has passed, it is usually easier to work out what to do in the future. One step that may be necessary is ending the relationship or moving. This will probably be a hard step, so if possible have as much support as possible. If you are concerned for your safety in the future it may be necessary to talk to the police and also do basic things like get a silent number or screen calls through an answering machine.

Remember - there are many people and services that can help. Just talking to someone you trust about your concerns can help you see your options more clearly. The Who can help you section on the left side of the page has information on how counsellors, youth workers, police and other professionals can assist. Below is a list of help numbers and services which specialise in this area.

More Information

Check out our other pages on Domestic Violence and online safety

National Services

Police or Ambulance or Fire - 000 (Australia only)

Violence Against Women, Australian Says No (Specialises in Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault counseling and referrals) - 1800 200 526

Relationships Australia - 1300 384 277

Mensline Australia - 1300 78 99 78

Domestic Violence Line (24hr telephone support)
Ph: 1800 656 463 OR 1800 671 442 (TTY)