Changing Your Locks After Domestic Violence

If you have been the victim of domestic violence, it is important to secure your house once your violent partner has left, including getting your locks changed.

Here are some tips on getting a trustworthy locksmith to your house following domestic violence.

Consult a local domestic violence shelter

Many of the not-for-profit domestic violence agencies can put you in contact with a reliable locksmith company that works for a lower fee or on a probono basis for domestic violence victims. If you are in a rural or remote area, there may not be a female locksmith available for out of hour's locksmith call outs. Often the police can assist by sending a female officer out to support the locksmith and yourself while they are changing the locks.

Contact a local locksmith

Call your local locksmith or 24-7 tradesperson line and explain you need your locks changed after hours if you cannot find a domestic violence shelter to help. Most locksmiths are highly experienced in dealing with these sorts of situations and can provide a female support person even if the on-call tradesperson at that time is a male. For more information, contact a business such as Atlas Lock & Key.

Finding alternate shelter

If you cannot access immediate changing of the locks due to the late hour, call the police for support while you seek some alternate shelter. The police can either organise some security for your house until the locksmith arrives or they can help you to find some alternative shelter if it is likely to be some time before the locksmith can reach your house. Make sure to wait until your house is secure before allowing the police to leave.

Consider upgrading your security

If you currently have a turn handle lock or a similar simple lock, this can be a good time to upgrade your locks to a deadbolt, which cannot be forced.

Contact your strata company/real estate agent

If you are in a flat or other strata title home with a master lock, contact the strata company as soon as possible and issue them with any paperwork demonstrating your domestic violence/restraining orders. Even if your violent partner is also on your rental agreement, they will usually be willing to change your locks.Your partner can visit the house with a police escort to get their belongings, and you can either be present or organise to hand your keys to the police for a short period to allow them into the house if you prefer.