Assessing your safety

Steps you can take to ensure your safety

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.

Is there immediate danger?

How likely is it that someone would hurt you? If necessary, you may have to move to somewhere safe. If you need immediate help look at What to do in an emergency.

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.

Talk to the Gardaí

If you feel unsafe the police are good people to talk to. If you have been hurt, or know of someone who has, the Gardaí 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.

Consider making 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 links on the left hand side for more information.

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 Gardaí 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 Getting help section has information on how counsellors, youth workers, Gardaí and other professionals can assist. Below is a list of helpful numbers and services which specialise in this area.

Helpful organisations

Gardaí or Ambulance or Fire - 999 or 112 (Ireland only).

Women's Aid is a voluntary organisation which provides support and information to women and their children who are being physically, emotionally, financially and sexually abused in their own homes. - 1800 341 900

Amen - Male victims of domestic abuse & their children is a voluntary group which provides a confidential helpline, a support service and information for male victims of domestic abuse - 046 9023718 (Outside of office hours: 086 7941880, 086 1947270)

Childline provides a 24 hour listening service for all children up to the age of 18 - 1800 66 66 66

Samaritans Ireland provides confidential non-judgemental emotional support, 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide. - 1850 60 90 90

Check out the Think Contraception directory for STI clinics and their contact details around the country.