Domestic Violence Safety Plan
For Local Shelter Call: 1-800-799-7739
National Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Safety at Home
When the abuser is there
- Stay out of rooms with no exit
- Avoid rooms that may have weapons
- Select a code word that alerts friends and children to call police
- Leave suitcase and checklist items with a friend
When abuser has moved out
- Obtain an order of protection
- Change locks on doors and windows
- Insert a peephole in the door
- Change telephone number, screen calls, and block caller ID
- Install/increase outside lighting
- Consider getting a dog
- Inform landlord or neighbor of situation and ask that police be called if abuser in seen around the house
Safety at Work
What to do
- Tell your employer
- Give security a photo of abuser and Order of Protection
- Screen your calls
- Have an escort to your car or bus
- Vary your route home
- Consider a cell phone for your car
- Carry a noisemaker or personal alarm
Protecting Your Children
What to do
- Plan and rehearse an escape route with your children
- If it is safe, teach them a code word to call 911, and how to use a public telephone
- Let school personnel know to whom children can be released
- Give school personnel a photo of abuser
- Warn school personnel not to divulge your address and phone number
Getting an Order of Protection
- Call 506-SELF (7353) to learn about an Order of Protection and Injunction Against Harassment
- Call the police to get an immediate Order of Protection
- Keep you order with you at ALL times, and give copies to family, friends, schools, employers, and babysitters
Preparing to Leave
What you need
Identification
- Drivers license
- Children birth certificate
- Your birth certificate
- Social security card
- Welfare identification
- Medical insurance cards
Money
- Money and/or credit cards
- ATM card
- Checkbook
Legal Documents
- Lease, rental agreement, or deed to house/properties
- Car registration and insurance papers
- Health and life insurance papers
- Medical records for you and your children
- School and shot records
- Work permits/green card or visa
- Passport
- Divorce papers
- Custody papers
Other things:
- Key to house, car and safety deposit boxes
- Medications for you and your children
- Small objects to sell
- Jewelry
- Address book
- Phone card
- Pictures of you, children, and your abuser
- Children’s small toys
- Toiletries/diapers
- Clothing
To Do
Open a savings account in your own name
Get your own post office box so that you can receive mail and checks
Plan who to stay with or who would be able to lend you money during the crisis
Contact the hotline or any shelter for help in safety planning and keep the hotline number with you at all times
