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Suggested Domestic Violence Safety Plan
Pack a bag and have it ready. Keep it hidden but make it easy to
grab quickly. The following is a general list of things
women should take with them when they leave an abusive situation.
Some items can also be stored at a trusted friend or family members home
in advance of a planned exit.
> Identification-- birth certificates for yourself and your
children, drivers license or other photo ID, green card, work
permit, social security card, passport(s), etc.
> Health records--school and vaccination records.
> Money- checkbook, ATM card, cash, credit cards, change for
telephone calls (keep change on your person at ALL times. If
a telephone credit card is used, the following month the bill will tell
the batterer who and where you called. Keep this information confidential
by using a prepaid phone card, using a friend's telephone card, calling
collect, or using change)
> Keys- home, work, car. Consider leaving another set with
a trusted friend or relative.
> Medication for you and your children.
> Prescription eye wear: glasses, contact lenses
> Divorce/custody papers/orders.
> Protective order.
> Lease or rental agreement, house deed, mortgage payment book.
> Insurance papers: medical/health, etc.
> Jewelry or other small items of value you can sell.
> Address book/needed phone numbers
> Clothes for you and your children--winter gear, if applicable
> Children's comfort items--teddy bear, pacifiers, lovies
> Sentimental items- irreplaceable photographs, small heirlooms
or momentos
Tell your neighbors about your abuse and ask them to call
the police when they hear a disturbance.
Teach your children to use the telephone to call the police and
the fire department
Learn the number for your local domestic violence shelter hotline
Have a code word to use with your kids, family and friends.
Upon hearing this word or phrase, they will know to call the police and
get you help.
Know where you are going to go, if you ever have to
leave. Learn the location of your local domestic violence shelter if
that choice becomes necessary.
Use your instincts. Fear is a innate gift. Use
it. Victims have the most knowledge about their abuser. Move
beyond denial and tap into your instinct, intuition and judgment.
Violence is often predictable.
Increase your independence by opening a savings or
checking account in your name only and begin depositing whatever you can
safely afford there.
Rehearse your safety plan and practice it with your
children.
Review your safety plan with a friend,
therapist or advocate from time to time
You have the right to protect yourself and your kids.
Protect yourself and your children until you are all out of danger.
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