What to do in case of threat of violence
Violence can be hard to recognise, especially mental violence. You might be uncertain if there is an actual threat of violence or not. Your safety is paramount. If you feel immediate danger, don't hesitate to call 110 and go to a safe location.
Remember, you can always reach out for help and go to a safe house. The violence does not need to be physical in nature – a threat of violence may also be a reason to go to a shelter.
Domestic violence situations can be complex and unpredictable. Seek professional help from organizations experienced in handling domestic violence cases, for example, by calling the nationwide support hotline Violence Against Women or the support hotline Violence Against Men.
Threats or implies to do violence are also violence and can lead to physical acts of violence. There’s a high risk that violence follows the threat of violence. In a threatening situation, don’t turn your back on the perpetrator. Threatening with violence is a crime.
If the situation changes from threat to action, and you cannot escape. Call 110 as soon as you can. Shield your sensitive areas, such as your head, stomach and large arteries.
If you feel unsafe or threatened, it's crucial to take the situation seriously. Listen to your body and feelings. Trust your instincts. You might feel insecure, tense, nervous or scared when the threat of violence is present. Your body and nervous system sense danger. Try to stay calm and notice body language and verbal communication. You are most likely the expert on what provokes the perpetrator.
You can take the Self risk assessment to evaluate the risks.
If the threat escalates or you fear for your safety, have a safety plan with an exit plan. A safety plan should include identifying safe spaces in your home, establishing a code word or signal with trusted individuals, and planning escape routes leaving the home, seeking temporary shelter, or staying with a trusted friend or family member.
Even if you are not yet ready to leave the situation, even temporarily or feel it is not necessary, make a safety plan just in case.
Anticipate the situation and consider this in your safety and escape plan. When you notice signs of tension and a growing threat of violence, leave the situation or space using credible excuses such as taking out the trash, going to get groceries, and, after a safe distance, call for help and seek shelter.
Preserve any evidence of threats, including text messages, emails, or voicemails. This documentation may be important for legal purposes.
Share the situation with a trusted friend, family member, or neighbour. Let them know about the threat and ask for their support.
If you are uncertain about your situation, talking to a professional or a friend might help to evaluate the situation, and it might be good to make a risk assessment. You may be too close or familiar with the threats to evaluate the risk of the threat yourself.
Reach out to local domestic violence organisations or support groups. They can provide emotional support, resources, and connections to legal assistance if needed. Even if there hasn’t yet been physical violence, a threat or feeling of a threat is enough good reason for you to ask for help.
When the threat increases, don't hesitate to call 110 as soon as possible. You can also contact the national support hotline Violence Against Women for support and guidance. They can help you evaluate your situation and help you with creating a safety plan.
Keep emergency contacts accessible. Save emergency phone numbers (the police, helpline, and trusted contacts) in your phone and keep them easily accessible. Consider also downloading the 112 app.
If you have children, it is important to note that the threat of domestic violence can have significant and long-lasting effects on children.
Witnessing or experiencing violence in the home can cause profound emotional, psychological, and developmental harm. Children sense the threat. Seek help to support their well-being, include them in the safety plan.
