uk Personal safety & immediate danger

What to do if…
a partner or family member becomes violent and blocks you from leaving

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: 18 July 2026 Last reviewed: 12 August 2026 Editorial policy UK guide

Short answer

At the earliest safe pause, move away from the person without trying to force past them and call 999 for the police. If you cannot speak on a mobile 999 call, press 55 when prompted.

Do not do these things

Do not try to push past, restrain or physically confront them if that could increase the danger.
Do not stop to collect belongings that are not already within reach.
Do not ask a child or another vulnerable person to intervene.
Do not argue about the relationship or announce major decisions while the violence is active.
Do not return alone after reaching safety while the immediate danger may still be present.
Do not suddenly change settings or passwords on a device they may be monitoring if they could notice and react.

What to do now

At the earliest safe pause, move to the safest nearby place you can reach without approaching the violent person or forcing past them. Take your phone only if it is already within reach and doing so does not delay you.
Call 999 and ask for the police. Give your address or location first, then say that a partner or family member is violent and is blocking you from leaving.
If you cannot speak on a mobile 999 call, listen to the instructions and press 55 when prompted. Make a sound or answer questions only when it is safe.
If messaging is safer than calling, send a trusted person your exact location and a direct request such as: “Call 999 for me. Someone is violent and blocking me from leaving.”
If a safe exit opens, leave for a trusted neighbour, an occupied public place or somewhere else with people who can help. Do not delay to gather possessions.
Tell the 999 call handler immediately about any weapons, injuries, children or other people at risk. Also tell them about breathing difficulty, loss of consciousness, a head injury or any pressure applied to your neck, even if there are no visible marks.
When emergency responders arrive, state clearly that the person became violent and prevented you from leaving. Tell them if anyone remains inside or needs medical help.
Once you are physically safe, use a device the person cannot access or monitor to contact a specialist domestic abuse service about the next immediate step.

What can wait

You do not need to decide now whether to end the relationship permanently, return home, collect possessions, explain the incident to relatives or take legal, housing or financial action. A detailed account, longer-term safety planning and other major decisions can wait until you are safe and have support.

Important reassurance

Being blocked from leaving while someone is violent is serious, and calling 999 during an ongoing emergency is appropriate. You are not responsible for calming the person down before seeking help. Focus only on the next action that makes you safer.

Scope note

This guide covers the first actions during or immediately after the incident. Later decisions about accommodation, children, reporting, protective measures or contact with the person may require support from a specialist domestic abuse service and other relevant professionals.

Important note

This is general safety information, not legal, medical or other professional advice. Emergency services and specialist domestic abuse services can assess the immediate circumstances and help you consider the safest available options.

Additional Resources

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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