SAFETY PLANNING

The following steps represent options for increasing safety and preparing in advance for the possibility for further violence. Although you do not have control over another person’s violent behavior, you do have a choice about how to respond to him/her.

SAFETY DURING A VIOLENT INCIDENT:

• If there is an argument, try to be in a place that has an exit.
• Avoid the bathroom, kitchen or any room that may contain weapons.
• Use your instincts and judgment. In some dangerous situations, it may be possible to appease the abuser to calm them down.
• Develop an age-appropriate safety plan with your children.
• Devise a code word to use with your children, family, friends, and neighbors when you need the police.

WHEN YOU ARE PREPARING TO LEAVE

• Open a checking account or savings account in your own name.
• Leave money, an extra set of keys, copies of important documents, and extra clothes and medicines in a safe place or with someone you trust.
• Find a safe place where you and your children can go or a person who can lend you money.
• An old cell phone that still powers on can be used to dial 911. Local law enforcement often has free 911 phones available. When you call, always disclose your address first, so dispatchers can locate you.
• If you have pets, make arrangements for them to be cared for in a safe place, including some shelters.

FEELING SAFE ONLINE AND WITH TECHNOLOGY

• Create a new email account.
• Change passwords and PIN numbers
• Use privacy settings
• Visit this site for more info:

FEELING SAFE IN YOUR OWN HOME

• If you stay in your home, lock your windows, and change the locks on your doors.
• Inform your child’s school, day-care, etc., about who has permission to pick up your child.

A PERSONAL SAFETY PLAN

• Inform your neighbors and the landlord that your partner no longer lives with you and that they should call the police if they see him/her near your home.
• If you move, do not call the abuser from your home; it could compromise the safety of your address.
• Do not tell the abuser where you live. If you wish to keep your address confidential, consider applying for the Address Confidentiality Program.

FEELING SAFE ON THE JOB AND IN PUBLIC PLACES

• Decide whom you will inform at work of your situation. Tell the building security officers, and if possible, provide them with a picture of your batterer.
• When at work, if possible, have someone screen your telephone calls.
• Have someone escort you to and from your car, bus, or train.
• Alternate your daily routine. Change frequently visited public places like gyms, banks, grocery stores, etc.

THINGS TO TAKE WITH YOU

• Important documents like leases, protective orders, birth certificates and social security cards.
• Money, credit cards, checking and savings account info, driver’s licenses, and vehicle titles.
• Other important items like medications, pictures, clothing, valuable jewelry, etc.