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Staying safe if you leave

Making a safety plan

If you haven’t already, you might like to consider making a safety plan. Having a plan in place means you are prepared to leave quickly if you need to.

Access to safe accommodation

There are services that can help if you are worried about where you will live, or how to pay your mortgage or rent.

Women’s shelters

Women's shelters (sometimes called refuges) provide safe and secure accommodation for women and children escaping domestic violence in their homes or community   .

Find out how to access safe accommodation.

Emergency accommodation

There are organisations that can provide you with information about emergency accommodation if you are homeless, escaping violence, or need a meal, shower, and clothing.

Find emergency or crisis accommodation.

If you are renting

If you are in a rental property and can no longer safely stay at home you can vacate immediately and end your interest in the tenancy by providing the property manager/owner seven days notice.

You can do this by giving your property manager/owner a Notice ending tenancy interest (domestic and family violence) (Form 20) including any relevant evidence.

Tenants Queensland provides free statewide advice and service for tenants on 1300 744 263.

For more information contact the Residential Tenancies Authority on 1300 366 311.

Find out more about ending your tenancy agreement.

If you are living in public housing

If you are worried the violence you are experiencing is going to affect your tenancy, or you need immediate help to access and maintain safe housing, contact your nearest Housing Service Centre.

There are protections in place to help keep you safe if you are living in public housing, such as:

  • You can vacate the property immediately.
  • You won’t be responsible for costs for property damage caused due to DFV or goods left behind.
  • You can also change the locks without consent.

More information on how to stay in public housing.

If you have a mortgage

If you are paying a mortgage and you need to leave the property but are worried about what this means for your mortgage payments it is best to contact your bank. Many banks have staff available to talk confidentially with you about your mortgage options.

How to get your belongings back

If  you need to go back to your home to collect your belongings and don’t feel safe, you can contact a Policelink Client Service Officer by calling 131 444.

You may need legal advice. There are a number of existing services who you can contact for advice and information:

  • Legal Aid Queensland 1800 957 957
  • Women’s Legal Service Queensland 1800 957 957
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service Queensland 1800 012 255
  • LGBTI Legal Service on 07 3124 7160
  • Community Legal Centres Queensland 07 3392 0092

Keeping my partner away from me

A domestic violence order (DVO) is an official document issued by the court to help stop threats or acts of domestic violence. It is designed to keep you safe by making it illegal for the person who has committed domestic violence against you to behave in specific ways.

After the DVO has been made, the magistrate will explain what the order means to the respondent and what will happen if it is breached.

Find out how a DVO can help and how to apply.

Using technology safely

If you're concerned someone is monitoring you by reading your emails, checking your phone calls, or following your movements through social media, there are steps you can take to protect your personal information and increase your security online.

Find out how you can use technology safely.

Financial assistance

Financial and debt assistance is available for people affected by domestic and family violence.