Once you’ve left an abusive situation, it’s important to take additional steps to ensure your safety. 🚨 Important Note: If you haven’t already, apply for a protection order. Shelters and organizations like Mosaic can assist with this process, and magistrates’ courts remain open, even during lockdowns.

Be cautious about sharing your new address and phone number. Inform your children’s schools of the situation and specify who is authorized to pick them up.

⚠️ Alert: Consider changing their school if necessary.

If you are employed, let your workplace know about your situation. This may involve having your calls screened or rescheduling appointments that the abuser is aware of. Changing your routine by using different stores and frequenting different areas can also help you stay safe.

🚨 Important Note: If you stay in your home, consider changing the locks and taking other measures to secure the property. Let friends and neighbors know that the abuser no longer lives with you and ask them to call the police if they see the abuser near your home or children.

>>Continuing to talk to trusted people about your situation and seeking trauma counseling and legal assistance is essential in the aftermath of leaving an abusive relationship.

Important Contact Information:

• National Shelter Movement of South Africa: 0800 428 428
• Send a “Please Call Me” by dialing: 1207867#
• SMS ‘help’ to: 31531
• GBV Command Centre: 0800 150 150
• WhatsApp: 083 222 5164