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Safety Planning

When Preparing To Leave
On the Job and in Public
In Your OWN Residence
During An Explosive Incident
Safety With A Protective Order
What You Need to Take

When Preparing To Leave

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.

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

Find out how to get help and shelter from your local domestic violence agency by calling 1-800-799-7233.

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

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

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

Get your own post office box.

Remember: Leaving Your Batterer is the Most Dangerous Time.

On the Job and in Public

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 your own home.

In Your OWN Residence

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 then.

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Request an unlisted/unpublished number from the telephone company.

During An Explosive Incident

If there is an argument, try to be in a place that has an exit and not in a bathroom, 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.

Safety With A Protective Order

If you or your children have been threatened or assaulted, you can request a Protective Order from the District/County Attorney's Office.

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.

What You Need to Take

Identification

Driver's License
Birth Certificate
Children's Birth Certificates
Social Security Cards

Financial

Money and/or credit cards (in your name)
Checking and/or savings account books

Legal Papers

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

Other

Medications
House and car keys
Valuable jewelry
Address book
Pictures and sentimental items
Change of clothes for you and your children


This information on safety planning was prepared by the Texas Council on Family Violence

If you are in a dangerous situation right now, dial 911

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