Safety Plan for Victims of Domestic Violence

Written by HealthyPlace.com Staff Writer

Whether or not you feel able to leave an abuser, there are things you can do to make yourself and your family safer. Make these suggestions a part of your domestic violence safety plan.

IF YOU ARE IN DANGER, CALL 911
or your local police emergency number

To find out about help in your area, call:
National Domestic Violence Hotline:
1-800-799-SAFE
1-800-787-3224 (TTY)

Download and print this pdf file for your personal safety plan.

If you are still in the relationship:

• Think of a safe place to go if an argument occurs - avoid rooms with no exits (bathroom), or rooms with weapons (kitchen).
• Think about and make a list of safe people to contact.

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• Keep change with you at all times.
• Memorize all important numbers.
• Establish a "code word" or "sign" so that family, friends, teachers or co-workers know when to call for help.
• Think about what you will say to your partner if he\she becomes violent.

Remember, you have the right to live without fear and violence.

If you have left the relationship:

• Change your phone number.
• Screen calls.
• Save and document all contacts, messages, injuries or other incidents involving the batterer.
• Change locks, if the batterer has a key.
• Avoid staying alone.
• Plan how to get away if confronted by an abusive partner.
• If you have to meet your partner, do it in a public place.
• Vary your routine.
• Notify school and work contacts.
• Call a shelter for battered women.

What can I do if my children or I am abused?

First, make sure you and your children are safe. Go to a safe place, such as the home of a friend or a relative or an emergency shelter. Take your children with you. Call the police if you think you can't leave home safely or if you want to bring charges against your abuser.

If possible, take house keys, money and important papers with you to enable you to apply for benefits or take legal action. Important papers you should take include:

• social security cards and birth certificates for you and your children
• your marriage license
• leases or deeds in your name or both yours and your partner's names
• your checkbook, your charge cards, bank statements and charge account statements
• insurance policies
• proof of income for you and your spouse (pay stubs or W-2's)
• any documentation of past incidents of abuse (photos, police reports, medical records, etc.)

Do not use drugs or use alcohol at this time because you need to be alert in a crisis. The staff members at emergency shelters can help you file for a court order of protection.

next: Protecting Your Identity (For Victims of Domestic Violence)