Be Prepared With A Safety Plan

It is important to have a safety plan in place when you feel you could be in imminent danger. A safety plan means things you can do to keep you safe from domestic violence. Below are specific things you can do to be prepared: (This is taken from the California Courts Self-Help Center - Protection From Abuse, Making a Safety Plan, 2005)

BEFORE AND DURING AN ATTACK:

When an attack starts, try to escape. If you feel you're in danger, leave your home, no matter what time it is. Go to the house of a friend or relative or a domestic violence shelter.
Defend and protect yourself. Later take photos of your injuries.
Call for help. Scream as loud and as long as you can.
Stay close to a door or window so you can get out if you need to.
Stay away from the bathroom, kitchen and weapons.
Practice your escape. Know which doors, windows, elevator, or stairs would be best.
Identify neighbors you can tell about the violence. Ask them to call the police if they hear signs of violence coming from your home.
Have a "code word" to use with family, friends and neighbors. Ask them to call the police when you say that word.
Know where to go if you have to leave home, even if you don't think you'll have to.
Trust your instincts. Do whatever you have to do to survive.

GET READY TO LEAVE:

Have a packed bag ready. Hide it in a place that you can get to quickly.
Open a savings account in your own name. Give the bank a safe address, like a P.O. Box or your work address.
Leave money, an extra set of keys, and copies of your important papers with someone you trust, or in a safe-deposit box at the bank. You may need to leave home fast and you'll need these things later.
Think about who you could stay with and who can lend you money.
Keep the phone number of the domestic violence shelter nearby.
Leaving is the most dangerous time. Thinking about your safety plan before you leave will help you when the time comes.

WHAT TO TAKE WHEN YOU LEAVE:

Drivers license or ID, Social Security card
Welfare ID
Passport or green card
Money
Checkbooks
Credit cards/ATM card
Bankbooks
Bank account numbers
House and car keys
Address book
Medications
Insurance papers
Divorce papers or marriage license
Court orders/restraining orders
Birth certificate
Any police reports or documentation of previous abuse
Lease/rental agreement or house deed
Jewelry or small objects you can sell
Car registration and title
Family photos
Extra glasses or contact lenses

First and foremost, remember nothing is more important than your life! Protect it first!

BE SAFE WHEN YOU LIVE ON YOUR OWN:

Change the locks on your doors as soon as you can. Put locks on all your doors and windows.
Ask the phone company for an unlisted number.
Tell your neighbors and landlord that your partner no longer lives with you and ask them to call the police if they see him near your home.
Get a protective order and keep it with you at all times.
Keep notes about any contacts, threats, messages, or letters your partner sends you. If a partner leaves messages on your answering machine, save the messages.
If, for any reason, you continue to feel unsafe move to a more secure location, unknown by your abuser.

BE SAFE IN PUBLIC:

Tell the security personnel where you work. Give them a photo of the person you need protection from. Ask someone at work to screen your telephone calls.
Don't take the same route home every day.
Think about what you'd do if the abuser approaches while you're getting to or from work.

PROTECT YOUR EMOTIONAL HEALTH:

If you are thinking about going back to a situation that could be abusive, talk with someone you trust about alternatives.
Think positive thoughts about yourself.
Read books, articles, and poems to help you feel stronger.
Go to a support group. You'll get support and learn about yourself, domestic violence and relationships.
If you are not in the workforce, explore career training with people in your support system.