Protecting Yourself After Separation: Practical Strategies for Staying Safe
Separation can be a highly emotional and stressful time, particularly when safety concerns arise. Taking proactive steps to protect yourself, your home, and your personal information is vital. Below are practical strategies to help you safeguard your wellbeing after separation.
Protecting Your Home
Your home should be a safe place where you can feel secure. Consider the following measures:
- Install security cameras with a live feed to your mobile phone.
- Change all locks, including those on doors and windows.
- Install additional window locks or bars for added protection.
- Prepare an emergency escape plan.
- Inform trusted neighbours of your ex-partner’s identity and vehicle so they can alert you if they are spotted nearby.
- Use a PO Box instead of your residential address.
- Request that your address not be disclosed in court documents, school records, or other public documents.
- If necessary, consider breaking your lease and relocating to a safer area under domestic violence provisions.
Protecting Yourself at Work
Your workplace should also be a place of safety and support. To minimise risks:
- Create a safety plan with your employer or HR department.
- Develop a clear strategy for staff to follow if your ex-partner arrives at your workplace.
- Establish a plan for what to do if you are unexpectedly absent.
- Change your work phone number and email address.
- Request a change of workstation or even a temporary change of work location if possible.
Protecting Your Technology
Technology can be both a tool and a risk. Before making any changes, remember that evidence of tampering or surveillance may be valuable in legal or police matters.
- Install reputable antivirus software and perform thorough scans on all devices, including children’s devices.
- Remove any remote access programs (such as TeamViewer).
- Back up your data and then restore your devices to factory settings.
- Review all installed applications and remove anything suspicious or unfamiliar.
- Enable two-factor authentication on all important accounts (banking, email, social media, work accounts).
- Check connected devices on your accounts and remove any that you do not recognise.
- Change all passwords and consider using a password manager (e.g., OneKey).
- Close unused apps or accounts (such as Uber or Amazon) and reopen them only as needed.
- Remove any authorisations that may allow access by your ex-partner.
Protecting Your Phone
If your phone may be compromised or used for harassment:
- Consider purchasing a new phone entirely.
- Block your ex-partner’s number through your device, carrier, and social media platforms.
- Get a new phone number and share it only with trusted contacts.
Protecting Your Bank Accounts
Financial independence is key to safety and stability after separation. Take these steps:
- Open a new bank account in your sole name and transfer funds securely.
- Enable two-factor authentication for all online banking and financial services.
How Madsen Law Can Help
If you’re worried about your safety or experiencing domestic violence after separation, Madsen Law can help. Our team of experienced family lawyers in Logan provides practical legal advice and strong representation in domestic violence order (DVO) applications, parenting arrangements, and property settlements.
With over 30 years of experience, Madsen Law understands how critical it is to feel protected and supported during this time. We take a compassionate yet strategic approach, ensuring your legal rights are upheld while prioritising your safety and wellbeing.
If you need guidance from a trusted domestic violence lawyer in Logan, contact Madsen Law today. We’re here to help you move forward safely and confidently.
