Have a Safety Plan

Being prepared may mean the difference between life and death.

If You Are Still In An Abusive Situation

• Leave before the abuse gets worse
• Identify safe areas of the house where there are no weapons and where there are always ways to escape. If arguments occur, try to move to those areas.
• Know where the nearest pay phone is located. Know your local battered women's shelter number. Don't be afraid to call the police.
• Let family, friends, or neighbors you trust know about your situation. Arrange a signal so they'll know when you need emergency help.
• Be sure your children know they should never get involved when you are being threatened or harmed by your partner. Teach them to get away from the abusive situation and find help.
• Keep an extra set of keys to house and car, emergency telephone numbers, important papers (birth certificates, income verification, social security numbers, , medication for you and/or your children, child's favorite toy, etc., extra clothes packed in trash bag (not obvious)
• If you are injured, go to a doctor or an emergency room and report what happened to you. Ask that they document your visit.
• Keep any evidence of physical abuse, such as pictures, etc.
• Keep a journal of all violent incidences, noting dates, events and threats made if possible.
• Contact your local battered women's shelter and find out about laws and other resources available to you before you have to use them during a crisis.