Ellington

A safety plan is intended to aid victims of domestic violence in securing their physical safety and personal well-being. The plan is not a substitute for law enforcement and professional help. If you fear your life is in eminent danger, call 911 immediately.

If You Choose to Stay:
Find a safe place to go during arguments. Avoid rooms with no exits or rooms with weapons (kitchen).

Teach your children where to go to be safe and how to call for help.

Think about and make a list of safe people to contact.

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.

Document all violent incidences in a journal. Include date, place, time, witnesses, and contact with police. Hide the journal.

Back your car into the parking spot so you can leave quickly if necessary.

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

If You Choose to Leave:
Gather medication and all important documents: social security cards, birth certificates, ID cards, bank statements, any bills in your name, diplomas, transcripts, marriage license, W-2's etc. (Starting over is easier if you have all your documents, but all documents are replaceable. Consider your safety first when preparing to leave.)

Do not tell your children your plans until it is time to leave. Reassure them that they will be safe and protected.

Contact a domestic violence shelter if you need a place to stay or you fear for your safety.

Backtrack your steps where you reached out for help. Delete caller ID and "cookies" from Internet searches.

Once you leave, avoid staying completely alone.

Don't tell friends and family your new location until your safety is secure. Abusers often manipulate the people you trust to gain information about how to find you.

Seek a Protective Order. No criminal charges are necessary to obtain a temporary PO. Temporary POs can be made permanent upon a hearing approximately 10 days after the initial order.

Notify your employer, friends, and family that you have left the abusive relationship and that you want no contact with the abuser.

Change to an unlisted number and keep it confidential.

Open a P.O. Box to receive mail so that your actual address is not revealed.

All info provided by the Center for Violence Prevention.