Safety Planning

• Domestic violence often gets more severe and more frequent over time. If you are in an abusive relationship, it may be the right time for you to consider your safety.
  
  
• Planning for safety is an important process. It is important if you are staying in the relationship, if you are leaving the relationship, or if you have already left the relationship.
  
  
• Remember that the most critical purpose of safety planning is to protect yourself in an emergency. However, you may also want to think about what protections you may need over a longer period of time. Periodically review your safety plan, it may need to be modified or changed over time.
  
  
• This page highlights some general safety planning ideas. After you have read them, please contact the local domestic violence program in your county to discuss developing an individual safety plan. This can be done with complete confidentiality. You do not even have to give your name.

Consider the following:

1. Do I know where (my children and) I can go for safety in an emergency?

2. Do I know where (my children and) I can go before an incident?

3. Who can I safely inform about my situation?

4. With whom or where can I keep copies of important papers, keys, money, clothing and other emergency items?

5. Do I have a list of numbers I can contact in an emergency?

6. Is it safe for my children to have these numbers as well?

7. Do I have an escape plan?

8. Is it safe for my children to know about this plan? Is it safe to rehearse this plan with my children?

9. What is my post-escape plan?

10. Do I know where I can get post-escape help?

11. Where can I board my animals?

If you are remaining in your house, remember to change your locks and keep your restraining order with you at all times.

 

Checklist of Important Items:

Personal Identification
Birth Certificates for my children and me
Social Security Cards
School and Medical Records
Money, Bankbooks, Credit Cards
Welfare Identification
Keys: House/Car/Office
Drivers License and Vehicle Registrations
Auto Insurance Card
Medications
Change of Clothes for each family member
Pictures/Jewelry/Items of Sentimental Value
Children's Favorite Toys and or Blanket
Passports(s)/Green Card(s)/Work Permits
Divorce Papers
Order of Protection
Previous Court Orders
Lease/Rental Agreement/House Deed
Mortgage Payment Book
Current Unpaid Bills
Insurance Papers
Address Book

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