• If there is an argument, try to be in a place that has an exit and not in a bathroom, kitchen, or room that may contain weapons.

• Practice getting out of your home safely. Identify which doors, windows, elevator, or stairwell to use.

• Pack a bag and have it ready at a friend’s or relative’s house.

• Identify one or more neighbors you can tell about the violence and ask them if they can call the police if they hear a disturbance coming from your home.

• Devise a code word to use with your children, family, friends and neighbors when you need the police.

• Decide and plan where you will go if you ever have to leave home.

• Use your instincts and judgment. In a dangerous situation, placate the abuser if possible, to keep him or her calm.

• Open a checking account or savings account in your own name.

• Leave money, an extra set of keys, copies of important documents, and extra clothes and medicines in a safe place or with someone you trust.

• Get your own post office box.

• Find a safe place where you and your children can go or a person who can lend you money.

• Always keep the shelter phone number and some change or calling card on you for emergency phone calls.

• If you have pets, make arrangements for them to be cared for in a safe place.

• If you or your children have been threatened or assaulted, you can request a Protective Order from your local District or County Attorney.

• Always keep your Protective Order with you.

• Call the police if your partner violates the Protective Order.

• Inform family members, friends, and neighbors that you have a Protective Order in effect.

• Think of alternative ways to keep safe if the police do not respond immediately.

Remember, you do not deserve to be hit or threatened. You are not alone.

• If you stay in your home, lock your windows and change locks on your doors.

• Develop a safety plan with your children for when you are not with them.

• Inform your child’s school, day care, etc., about who has permission to pick up your child.

• Inform your neighbors and the landlord that your partner no longer lives with you, and that they should call the police if they see him/her near your home.

• Never call the abuser from your home; he/she may find out where you live. Never tell the abuser where you live.

• Request an unlisted/unpublished number from the telephone company.

• Decide who at work you will inform of your situation. Include the office building security (if possible, provide them with a picture of your batterer).

• When at work, if possible, have someone screen your telephone calls.

• Have someone escort you to and from your car, bus, or train.

• If at all possible, use a variety of routes to come and go from home.

• Driver’s License

• Birth Certificate

• Children’s Birth Certificates

• Social Security Cards

• Money and/or credit cards (in your name)

• Checking and/or savings account books

• Protective Order

• Lease, rental agreement, house deed

• Car registration and insurance papers

• Health and life insurance papers

• Medical records for you and children

• School records

• Work permits/Green Card/Visa

• Passport

• Divorce and custody papers

• Marriage license

• Medications

• House and car keys

• Valuable jewelry

• Address book

• Pictures and sentimental items

• Change of clothes for you and your children

800-799-7233 or TDD 800-787-3224

800-252-5400

888-343-4414