Safety if you are not planning to leave:
-
Can you anticipate escalation of violence and take precautions?
-
Can you remove weapons or separate them from ammunition?
-
Teach your children how to use the telephone to contact the police
-
Keep car keys in a place where you can get them quickly.
-
Let a trusted neighbor know in advance to call the police if they hear suspicious noises coming from the house.
Safety during a violent incident:
-
Move away from the kitchen, bathroom, garage or any place where there are dangerous objects
-
Plan the easiest escape route. Decide on a door or window to exit quickly and safety.
-
Find a neighbor, friend or family member to help or to call the police.
Safety when preparing to leave:
-
Develop an “exit” plan well in advance. Know exactly where to go even in the middle of the night – and how to get there.
-
Pack an “overnight bag” in case you have to leave home in a hurry. Either hide it yourself or give it to a friend to keep for you. Include:
-
Toilet articles, medications, an extra set of keys to the house and car, an extra set of clothing for you and your children, and a toy for each child.
-
Important papers and financial records (the originals or copies), such as social security cards, birth certificates, green cards, passports, work authorization and any other immigration documents, voter registration cards, medical cards and records, drivers license, rent receipts, title to the car and proof of insurance, etc
-
Divorce, custody papers, protection from abuse orders
-
Extra cash, checkbook, or savings account book.
-
Keep a pre-paid phone card or loose change for a call on you at all times. If you use your cell phone after you leave the bill will show numbers you called after you left.
-
Don’t tell the abusive partner in advance – leave a note, or call from a safe place.
Safety in residence after leaving an abusive partner
-
Replace wooden doors with steel/metal doors
-
Make arrangements at school/daycare for children to be released only to designated persons
-
Install motion sensor lights outside
-
Inform your neighbor, pastor and friend that your partner no longer lives with you and they should call the police if he or she is observed near your residence
Safety on the job and in public
- Change locks on the doors and windows as soon as possible
-
Inform your supervisor of your situation; discuss your safety options such as:
-
Having your telephone calls screened at work
-
Having someone walk you to your car or request a parking place near the door
-
Changing shifts or work location
-
Vary your schedule; use different supermarkets, banks, and shopping malls to conduct business
