CHECKLIST TO TAKE WITH YOU WHEN YOU LEAVE:

• Identification/Driver’s License
• Marriage License/Divorce Papers
• Passport
• Protection Order
• Social Security Card
• Lease, rental agreement, house deed
• Money/Bank Book/Checkbook
• House and Car Keys
• Medications/Medical Records
• Insurance Papers
• Your children’s birth certificates
• School Records
• Work Permits
• Jewelry/Pictures
• Items of sentimental value
• Children’s small toys
• Address book

SAFETY DURING A VIOLENT INCIDENT:

A. Practice how to get out safely. What doors, windows, elevators, stairwells or fire escapes would I use?

b)  Devise a signal or code word to use with your family friends and neighbors when you need the police.

C)  Identify a neighbor you can tell about the violence.  Ask that neighbor to call the police if they hear a disturbance coming from your home or a prearranged signal.

E)  Decide and plan where you will go if you have to leave home (even if you don’t think you will need to).  This should be a safe place from which you can call for further assistance.

F)  Use your own instincts and judgment.  You have the right to protect yourself.

SAFETY WHEN PREPARING TO LEAVE:

A)  Open a savings account in your own name to start to establish or increase your independence.

B)  Have a bag packed and ready and keep it in a secret place that is easy to reach.

C)  Leave money, an extra set of keys, copies of important documents and extra clothes with someone you trust.

D)  Determine who would be able to let you stay with them or lend you money.

E)  Keep the shelter phone number close at hand or better yet, memorize it and keep some change or calling card on you at all times for emergency phone calls.

F)  Review your SAFETY PLAN as often as possible in order to plan the safest way to leave your batterer.

SAFETY IN YOUR HOME:

A)  Change the locks on your doors as soon as possible.  Buy additional locks and safety devices to secure windows.

B)  Discuss a Safety Plan with your children for when you are not with them.

C)  Inform your children’s school, day care, etc about who has permission to pick up your children.

D)  Inform you neighbors and landlord that your partner no longer lives with you and they should call the police if they see him near your home.

SAFETY WITH A PROTECTION ORDER:

A)  Keep your protection order with you at all times.  I you change your purse that should be the first thing that goes in it or get multiple copies.

B)  Call the police if your partner breaks the protection order.

C) Think of alternative ways to keep safe in the event that the police do no respond right away.

D)  Inform family, friends, neighbors that you have a protection order in effect.

E)  Give a copy of your personal protection order to your children’s school and day care provider.

SAFETY ON THE JOB AND IN PUBLIC:

A)  Decide who at work you will inform of your situation.  This should include office or building security (provide a picture of your batterer if possible).

B)  Arrange to have someone screen your telephone calls if possible.

C)  Devise a Safety Plan for when you leave work.  Have someone escort you to your car or a bus.  Use a variety of routes to go home if possible.  Think about what you would do if something happened while going home (i.e., in your car, on the bus).  If financially possible, think about getting a cell phone and keep it with you at all times.

YOUR SAFETY AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH:

A)  If you are thinking of returning to a potentially abusive situation, discuss an alternative plan with someone you trust.

B)  If you have to communicate with your partner, determine the safest way to do so (in a public place, have someone with you, etc).