VICTIM'S
SAFETY PLAN
-
Pack a suitcase to store with a friend or neighbor. Include
a change of clothing for you and your children, toilet
articles, and an extra set of keys to house and car.
-
Keep
Special items in an easy-to-locate safe place, so that
you can take them with you on short notice. These items
should include medicine and prescriptions, I.D., extra
cash, checkbook, savings account book, credit cards, legal
documents and social security cards or numbers, and car
keys.
-
In
case of emergency, know exactly where you will go and
how to get a family member or friend to confidentially
help you.
-
Know
where you will go and what you will do if you cannot escape
the violence. Call your doctor or go to an emergency room
if you think you are hurt.
-
Call
the police. Physical abuse is a crime, even if you are
living with the abuser.
-
You
should not clean yourself or your house. Do nothing that
might alter or destroy any evidence until it has been
witnessed, recorded, and/or preserved by a police officer.
Evidence that should be witnessed, recorded and preserved
includes blood or blood stains, hair samples, semen samples,
grab marks, bruises, scratches, torn clothing, damaged
or tipped over furnishings, alcohol containers, pictures
of the victim and surroundings, x-rays, doctor's reports,
and witness statements by you and anyone else who saw
or heard the violence. Review you safest plan as often
as possible in order to plan the safety way to leave your
batterer.
YOUR
SAFETY AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH
-
If you are thinking of returning to a potentially abusive
situation, discuss an alternative plan with someone you
trust.
-
If
you have to communicate with your partner, determine the
safest way to do so.
-
Have
positive thoughts about yourself and be assertive with
others about your needs.
-
Read
books, articles, and poems to help you feel stronger.
-
Decide
who you can talk to freely and openly to give you the
support you need.
-
Plan
to attend a women's or victims' support group for at least
2 weeks to gain support from others and learn more about
yourself and the relationship.
SAFETY
DURING AN EXPLOSIVE INCIDENT
-
If an argument seems unavoidable, try to have it in a
room or area that has access to an exit and not in the
bathroom, kitchen, or anywhere near weapons.
-
Practice
how to get out of your home safely. Identify which door,
window, elevator or stairwell would be best.
-
Have
a packed bag ready and keep it in an undisclosed but accessible
place in order to leave quickly.
-
Identify
a neighbor you can tell about the violence and ask that
they 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 for where you will go if you have to leave home
(even if you don't think you will need to.)
-
Use your own instincts and judgment. If the situation
is very dangerous, consider giving the abuser what he
wants to calm him down. You have the right to protect
yourself until you are out of danger.
-
Always
remember - YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO LIFE FREE FROM THREAT
OR VIOLENCE.
CHECKLIST
What you
need to take when you leave
________
Driver's License / I.D.
________ Children's Birth Certificates
________ Money
________ Lease, Rental Agreement, House Deed
________ Bank Books
________ Insurance Papers
________ House and Car Keys
________ Medications / Medical Records
________ Address Book
________ Social Security Card
________ Welfare / Medical Cards
________ School Records
________ Work Permits
________ Green Card / Passport
________ Divorce Papers / Marriage License
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