When you are leaving a relationship, or a relationship has broken down due to domestic and family violence, safety is the most important thing you have to consider. Somebody who has harmed you or hurt you may try to find you or your children after you have left, and one of the worst things that can happen is you being found when you're trying to keep yourself safe.

It may feel like you're hiding, and it absolutely is, because when you've been through that kind of relationship breakdown, you need a moment to breathe where you can think straight with nobody putting pressure on you. You can learn how to make your phone impossible to track, and you can learn how to hide your address, but there are some things that you can do to stay safe after a relationship breakdown. Let's take a look at some of those tips for you below. 

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1. Keep your location safe. Don't tell anybody the location of your safe space, and it doesn't matter whether that's a friend's house or a women's refuge. If you've always had somewhere that you wanted to do it in the relationship, never give it away as to where you're going. Don't tell your family or your friends or the abusers, family or friends or anybody that could link you back to the abuser. If you have children, they need to be coached on not telling anybody where you are staying because safety is first.
2. Always have a backup plan. Even if you have got out of that relationship.You need to have a backup plan in case you are found again. That means having a panic button installed in the new place you are living, having a support now at a friends and family who are checking in on you regularly and making sure that if your abuser turns up at the door, it doesn't matter whether they beg, plead or cry, you are not to go with them no matter what. Making sure that you are in therapy to learn how to use the right techniques to prevent yourself from falling back into the same traps is also important because you are in a vulnerable state right now. 
3. Make sure the police are involved. If you haven't already done so, it's important that you apply for an Apprehended Violence Order. This is a court order that bans somebody from assaulting, harassing, stalking, intimidating, or threatening you. If they breach the AV, they may be charged with a criminal offense. If you already have that out against your abuser and he breaks the order, call the police and report them every single time. If the police are involved in every single incident, then you have a constant backlog of paperwork.
4. Keep changing your routine. If you have no choice but to stay in the same area or suburb as your abuser, then you need to make sure that your routine is changed. Take a new way to work and avoid places where your abuser would find you, such as shops or cafes that you used to frequent when you were together. Changing up your routine and being in different places can help you to determine whether you're being followed at any stage. Safety first, always.

Sometimes, work and other stressors can prevent you from spending quality time with your loved ones. However, you don't need a fancy dinner to bond with them. You can take a weekend or night off to create memories and deepen your connections at home. Whether it is a themed sleepover or a game night, you can set up your home to be a cozy hub for entertainment. If there is something you have been meaning to do together as a group, this is the ideal chance to do that. On the other hand, if you're a host or hostess who is looking for something exciting to do, here are three activities your friends will enjoy. 

1. Home spa day

   
   

   
   

   
   
   

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whatever their gender, everyone likes to be pampered. Arrange a spa day and indulge in self-care to ease soreness, exfoliate your skin, and catch up on what you have been missing out in each other's lives. To create a cozy atmosphere, invest in scented candles and aromatherapy oils. You can also download soothing background music to help them feel relaxed and provide fluffy towels, bath robes, and slippers. Don't forget to add some refreshments. You can hire a professional masseuse for a massage session at home or get some beauty products to soak away your stress.

2. Bake together 

Bonding time is never complete without a shared activity, so why not connect over food? Baking is a fun activity that allows you to create delicious goodies, boost your moods, and gain cooking skills together. To make it more fun, you can have a bake-off competition to determine who the best baker is. You can decide what specific theme to stick to, or simply select just one recipe to try. For instance, you can vote on baking a German cake, or extra special dessert creations for a tea party later. Before your friends arrive, organize your kitchen so everyone can have room, as baking can get messy. Provide them with essential tools and equipment like mixing bowls, spatulas, and rolling pins. If it is a bake-off, establish the rules and appointment a judge or judges depending on your number. Remember to have fun and embrace little mistakes with laughter. 

3. Movie night

   

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If you and your friends are movie enthusiasts, then this activity is perfect for a get-together. What is that particular movie everyone talks about in the group chat? It's time to set up your project and get it rolling. To organize a movie night, decide on the theme. This will influence the type of decorations and snacks you decide to serve. You can also split that responsibility by asking your friends to bring a bowl of their favorite snacks for variety.  Ensure you have a comfortable seating complete with pillows and blankets, whether you decide to cuddle up indoors or sit outdoors. If any of your friends have a dietary restriction, provide other options to ensure they feel included.

Spending time with your friends is essential for your mental, emotional, and physical health. With these tips, you can maintain your bond and grow stronger.