Safety Plans

 

Non–Emergency Safety Plan

 

  1. Make an extra set of car keys and hide them in an easy place to reach
  2. Prepare clothing needs — clothes for self and children
  3. Store in a suitcase in home and hide in a secure location. Or, store them at a trusted friend’s home. Try to avoid using next-door neighbors, close family members, and mutual friends.
  4. Prepare for financial needs (place in accessible location):
    1. Extra Cash
    2. Check and Savings Books
    3. Other Valuables (i.e., jewelry, coins, etc.)
  5. Prepare for children’s needs (if children are involved):
    1. Take something meaningful for each child (blanket, pillow, etc)
    2. Discuss what is happening if you must leave the home
    3. Identify a safe place for children to go and plan with them.
  6. Prepare for possible legal action. Keep all documents in a safe place:
    1. Financial documents
      1. Pay stubs: yours (if you are working) and spouse’s)
      2. Household bills (including mortgage payments, utilities, etc)
      3. Stocks, bonds and any other joint financial holdings
    2. Identification (driver’s license, birth certificate, passport, social security cards)
    3. Copies of restraining orders, evidence of past abuse

 

Emergency Safety Plan (when living with the abuser)

 

  1. Plan an escape route from home before it is needed
  2. Make a habit of backing the car into the driveway and keeping it fueled
  3. Make a list of situations in which violence may occur or escalate
  4. Carefully explore the layout of your house and access to telephones
  5. Develop and rehearse a place for leaving the home if violence occurs
  6. If violence occurs away from home, develop a plan for escaping the abuser.
  7. Notify trusted neighbors to be on alert to suspicious noises and to call the police.
  8. Develop a code word with children when you want them to call for help.
  9. Teach children how to use the phone to contact the police.
  10. Know safe places you can to go leave a dangerous situation
    1. AVOID KITCHENS, BATHROOMS, GARAGE OR ANY OTHER ROOM CONTAINING POSSIBLE WEAPONS. REMOVE POSSIBLE WEAPONS, SUCH AS KNIVES FROM EASY ACCESS
  11. Don’t run to where the children are, as your partner may hurt them as well
  12. Try not to wear scarves or long jewelry that could be used to strangle you or otherwise hurt you
  13. Keep the number of battered women shelter services in a safe place