DOMESTIC VIOLENC - MAKING A SAFETY PLAN

Having a safety plan enables a victim of domestic violence to have a well thought-out plan for responding to a violent situation. Safety planning can help a victim prepare to safely leave their batterers and it empowers them to know that they have options besides living with abuse.

Remember that you always have a choice. If you are in a dangerous situation, there is help available for you if you need it. If you write out a safety plan, be sure to keep it in a place where your partner won't find it.
Plan ahead

The following guide can help a victim of abuse in making a safety plan. It is strongly recommended that anyone thinking of leaving an abusive relationship and/or making a safety plan should do so in consultation with a trained domestic violence counselor. They are familiar with your community and can help you make a safety plan that meets your individual needs.

Or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-SAFE (6233), 800-787-3224 (TDD) to find resources in your area.

Decide how you would get out

• Decide on a pathway if you have to leave at night. Think of public places you can access 24 hours a day.
• Know the route to police stations, hospitals, fire stations, and 24 hour convenience stores in your area. If you leave by car, make sure you lock the car doors immediately.
• Consider making a plan for each room in your home. What can you do to get out of the basement or upper floors of your home?
• Know which doors lock in your home. If you live in an apartment building, think of all the ways to get out safely.
• Is there a fire escape that could get you safely to the ground? Is there a stairwell you could use?
• Avoid arguments with the abuser in areas with potential weapons. Kitchen, garage, or in small spaces without an outside door.

Communicate with someone who can help and decide where you would go.

This may be difficult especially if your partner has isolated you; however, it is important to confide in a domestic violence advocate or hotline counselor who has been trained to help you.

• An advocate or domestic violence hotline counselor can help you figure out which friends and relatives might be able to help you.
• An advocate or hotline counselor can help you figure out alternatives if you have to leave at a time when your friend is not available.
• If you don't have a car, think of a safe place, close to your home, where your friend could pick you up. Also, know the routes to the subway, bus stop, and train station nearest to your home.
• You may want to plan a code word or phrase to use on the telephone with a friend if you need to access help when your abuser is present. Tell your friend that when you say " " it means you're in trouble and you need them to dial 911 for you.
• If you feel comfortable, tell your neighbors about the violence and ask if they will call the police if suspicious noises are coming from your home.

Plan

• Keep your Restraining Order on you at all times. Make copies of the restraining order, so you, family members, friends, neighbors and your employer can be aware of the situation. If you have the restraining order BEFORE you call the police, give a copy to the officer.
• Keep your purse and keys in a safe place, in case you have to leave quickly.
• Try to start an individual savings account. Have statements sent to a trusted relative or friend.Important

Documents
Keep important documents together in a safe place - a domestic violence hotline counselor or advocate can help you decide where. These documents and other necessities could include:

• Restraining Order
• ATM card
• money/ cab fare
• check book
• credit card
• passport
• green card
• work permit
• welfare ID
• coins to use in a payphone
• driver's license & registration
• social security card
• your partner's social security number
• medical records
• address book
• insurance policies
• important legal documents
• police records
• record of violence
• baby's things (diapers, formula, medication)
• children's school and immunization records
• birth certificates
• medications
• clothing
• eye glasses
• lease
• pictures
• anything of sentimental value
• non-perishable snacks for children (e.g. juice and crackers)

How to keep your children safe

• Make sure your children know how to dial 911 in an emergency situation
• Teach your children how to call the police or fire department, if necessary
• Instruct your children on where to go in an emergency