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Make a Plan to Leave
Create a Personalized Safety Plan
Leaving is often the scariest and most dangerous time of an abusive relationship. It is important to develop a safety plan. If you are in immediate physical danger, call 911.
What’s a safety plan you ask? A safety plan is a plan to keep you and your family safe. Your safety is the most important thing. Every plan is different and created specifically to your needs. Here are a few simple tips to help you create a Safety Plan that will help you and your family escape your situation and get to a safe location without harm.
- Keep a copy of all your important papers (birth certificates, social security cards, shot records, bank accounts, immigration papers etc.)
- Make sure you have important phone numbers on you (Police, Sheriff, Friends, Family, Shelter, etc.)
- Talk to your neighbors. Make a plan that if they see the porch light on to call 911 or the curtains pulled to the left / right. Find whatever is going to work for you.
- Create a safe word that you use on the phone with friends and family. If you use that word they know to call 911.
- Have a bag of extra clothing packed and ready to go. If you feel unsafe leaving these things in the house, keep an extra bag with family or friends.
- Keep a spare set up keys in a safe place
- Extra money (use cash if you are concerned about being stalked)
- Prescriptions and medications
- Other important items (photos, address book, jewelry, etc.)
Guidelines for Safety Safety Planning for Domestic Violence Victims and their Children click here.